The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

Intertec Systems Launches North America's First Application Of Its Patented HPI Technology for Mazda6 Instrument Panel

TROY, Mich., May 12, 2003 -- Intertec Systems launched production of the first North American application of instrument panels featuring its patented High Performance Integration (HPI) technology for Auto Alliance International and the company's all-new 2003 Mazda6 sports sedan. Intertec Systems, a joint venture between Plymouth, Michigan-based automotive interior supplier Johnson Controls and Inoac Corporation of Japan, also is supplying center floor consoles for the Mazda6.

Auto Alliance International, Inc. -- based in Flat Rock, Michigan -- is a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Mazda Motor Corporation.

HPI technology offers automakers unique advantages in styling harmony, fit, finish, complexity reduction and reduced costs versus traditional foam- in-place instrument panel technology. By incorporating components normally produced as "parts and pieces" into the structure of the instrument panel (IP), significant quality enhancements can be achieved. Additional benefits are realized with the patented processes used to provide tightly toleranced cast skin mating to the IP substrate surface, while maintaining a critical foam seal-off in the manufacturing process.

The powder-cast skin used in HPI's operation provides improved grain definition and sharper radii compared to conventional, vacuum-formed skins. It also is possible to selectively cast soft areas of the instrument panel surface. This provides designers with greater styling flexibility through an unlimited combination of soft and hard surfaces, textures, logos and colors. The Mazda6 represents the first North American application of this unique HPI technology. It also represents the first time that Intertec Systems has supplied interior systems to Auto Alliance.

The HPI technology has been used in the creation of instrument panels for several industry-leading vehicles, including the Toyota Land Cruiser sport- utility vehicle and the Japan-market version of the Toyota Corolla sedan.

"We are delighted to have Auto Alliance as a new customer," said Paul Elliott, president of Intertec Systems. "The Mazda6 will be very successful in the marketplace due to the vehicle's high level of craftsmanship and performance -- and we're pleased to have contributed to this through our partnership with Auto Alliance and by providing the unique advantages of HPI products."

The HPI technology for instrument panels was developed by engineers at Inoac in Japan. It is available in North America exclusively through Intertec Systems.

With headquarters in Troy, Michigan, Intertec Systems was formed in 1996 as a joint venture between Inoac and Johnson Controls. It is the third-largest independent producer of instrument panels in North America. Intertec operates manufacturing facilities in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada; Bardstown, Kentucky; and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The company recently entered into agreements for future production in San Leandro, California. Intertec Systems' sales, engineering and technical center is located in Troy.