Integrated Testing and Virtual Prototyping Solutions From the SmartSim Community Proven to Accelerate Vehicle Development Process at Daimler Chrysler

2003 SAE World Congress Press Conference to Highlight DaimlerChrysler's Implementation of Virtual Test Lab for Improvement of Vehicle Durability And Reliability

DETROIT, March 4 -- 2003 SAE World Congress -- The SmartSim Community, a joint development and marketing initiative of MTS Systems Corp. , MSC.Software Corp. , and nCode International, today announced that DaimlerChrysler has completed a study proving the potential for reducing the number of physical prototypes required to complete a vehicle design by correlating virtual models with physical test results.

The results of this study and the work of the SmartSim Community will be highlighted at a press conference taking place at the 2003 SAE World Congress on March 4, 9:00am ET at Booth # 617.

In this study, DaimlerChrysler engineers in Sindelfingen, Germany, used the Virtual Test Laboratory (VTL) from MTS Systems, combined with MSC.Software's MSC.ADAMS(R) software, to ensure that physical testing data and virtual testing data were directly linked and analyzed in concert. By employing VTL and MSC.ADAMS to "front load" their development process, DaimlerChrysler was able to better simulate vehicle dynamics and perform predictive analysis earlier in the design process, resulting in faster design times and fewer physical prototypes. In this proof of concept study, Daimler Chrysler was able to eliminate two physical prototypes resulting in an estimated cost savings of approximately $2 million USD.

According to Dr. Klaus-Joerg Dittmann, Daimler Chrysler Development Manager, Durability Car Body, "DaimlerChrysler now plans to use VTL in the development process for a specific next generation vehicle. By employing VTL in actual vehicle development production, we expect to realize significant time and cost savings."

The VTL, developed through SmartSim Community collaboration, is the virtual reproduction of a physical test stand with all of its hardware and software components. It assures that the analytical tests are directly linked to the physical tests, utilizing the same input signals and parameters, and therefore allows exacting correlation and validation of the physical and analytical models. This allows the users to have a much higher confidence in their computer models.

The launch of VTL and the ongoing activities with DaimlerChrysler are examples of the latest success of the SmartSim Community, which was initiated at the 2001 SAE Global Congress. Over the subsequent 24 months, the SmartSim Community members have delivered solutions for integrated physical and virtual testing, including joint research, purpose-built software tools, technology integration, and simulation and testing consulting services. Jointly developed tools to-date include Component EDM(TM) which generates EDM models compatible with MSC.ADAMS(R), as well as MTS RPC(R) Pro release 3.0 which embeds more extensive fatigue technologies from nCode International. The SmartSim Community is working with global corporations such as Mazda, Hyundai, John Deere, Nissan, and DaimlerChrysler to continue to define, deliver and deploy virtual product development simulation and testing solutions.

For more information about The SmartSim Community, visit www.smartsim.org .

About MSC.Software Corporation

MSC.Software is the leading global provider of simulation software, with related services and systems, that helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1500 people in 22 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com .

About MTS Systems Corporation

MTS Systems Corporation is a global supplier of integrated simulation solutions that help customers accelerate and improve their design, development and manufacturing processes. MTS supplies products for determining the mechanical behavior of materials, products and structures -- including computer-based testing and simulation systems, modeling and testing software, and consulting services -- as well as products for automating manufacturing processes. MTS had 1,900 employees and revenue of $356 million for the fiscal year ended September 28, 2002. Additional information on MTS can be found on the worldwide web at www.mts.com .

About nCode International

nCode International is the world's leading supplier of engineering solutions for durability, with major customers in the ground vehicles, aerospace and offshore industries. Many major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) use nCode solutions for durability management, including Ford, General Motors, Volvo, DaimlerChrysler, and John Deere. For more information on nCode International visit their website at www.ncode.com . nCode is an AEA Technology plc company.

About AEA Technology plc

AEA Technology plc is one of the world's leading innovation businesses. AEA Technology turns science and engineering into profit for the benefit of its customers and investors. For more information on AEA Technology visit their web site at www.aeat.com .

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