Intier Automotive Reorganizes Closures Group, Prepares for Significant Module Growth

NEWMARKET, Ontario, July 22 -- Intier Automotive Inc. today announced its Closures group has been reorganized on a global basis to drive the continued evolution of Closures as a world class manufacturer and Tier 1 supplier of modules. According to Closures President John Farrell, the action further allows Intier to service customers in a closure module market that is forecast to double in the next five years and continue to grow its core technologies.

The Closure Modules team, focusing on system integration activities as they pertain to doors, midgates, liftgates, tailgates and roof systems, will be led by Vice President Paul Stroz. The decision to realign resources to form this dedicated unit was fueled by a string of recent high-profile successes for Intier Closures, including the launch of the new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator door module programs, the Nissan Maxima hardware door module as well as the awarding of the GM H2 HUMMER midgate and the MINI by BMW door module engineering programs.

"Importantly, our modules, most notably re-configurable roof systems, tailgates, and midgates, are generating more versatility for the vehicle," said Farrell. "We have a lot to offer at the vehicle level when you combine the functionality of our power systems and the cost savings from our electronics and mechanisms integration into these modules. Look at all the vehicle re-configurability that is being researched -- it's a huge opportunity."

To ensure the continued strengthening of its global focus, the Closures Mechanisms team, led by Vice President John O'Hara, will focus on supporting the module business for Closures with latching systems, power systems, window regulators and wiper systems capability. The mechanisms and related components produced by Closures amount to more than 70 percent of the content of a door or midgate module.

"The recent success of our Closures group on a global basis speaks for itself, with a number of significant wins," said Intier Automotive President and CEO Don Walker. "The new reorganization of Intier Automotive Closures enables us to build on this momentum and reflects our corporate focus of innovative design, superior craftsmanship and agile support of our valued customers."

Industry direction in the late 1990s centered on the concept of global platforms. The goal was to have one vehicle engineered in one location to generate cost savings, but produced in multiple geographic regions. This led to "compromised" product offerings. While regional differences present a challenge to the ideal, global modules and mechanisms allow for unique differences in vehicle design while optimizing single-source engineering and component commonality.

Intier is uniquely prepared to serve an increasingly modular industry because of its ability to manufacture and integrate structures, mechanisms, power systems and interiors within the same organization. As the industry moves towards trim hardware door modules, no other competitor has the range of interior trim and mechanisms capability. This is a clear differentiator versus the competition in the pursuit of modular doors that the company intends to leverage with the realignment of the Closures organization. With superior module integration capability, Intier is able to make use of its complete product portfolio and provide value through integration and functionality.

Intier Automotive is an innovative leader in the development and manufacture of vehicle interior and closure components and systems for the global automotive industry. The Company's capabilities are among the most diversified in the industry, ranging from the understanding of end consumers' needs and wants, through market and consumer research, concept development, design and engineering, testing and validation and finally the manufacture of interior and closure systems. Intier is also a leader in vehicle interior integration and program management. Product expertise includes cockpit modules, modular doors and panels, complete seat systems, closure systems, including liftgates and electro-mechanical systems. Intier has approximately 22,000 employees at 65 manufacturing facilities, 17 product development, engineering and testing centers and 13 sales offices throughout North America, Europe, Brazil and Asia Pacific.