Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Appoints GM's Heimbuch as Executive Director

DETROIT, Oct. 19, 2004 -- The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Joint Policy Board announces the appointment of Dr. Roger A. Heimbuch, P.E., as executive director of the Partnership.

Dr. Heimbuch had previously concluded a 32-year career with General Motors Corporation where his assignments in advanced product and manufacturing engineering focused on the selection and application of materials from a total system point of view. His most recent position at GM was director - Materials and Fastening Engineering Center, NAO Engineering.

During his time with General Motors, Dr. Heimbuch made many significant contributions to automotive materials technology. Among his accomplishments are the following:

* Coordinated the effort that led to the widespread use of HSLA at GM.

* Initiated projects to develop mechanical property data on spot welds used in the design of front-end crush structures.

* Implemented improvements in grinding practices among GM Divisions, resulting in savings of over $10,000,000 per year.

* Managed the development of fractured connecting rod manufacturing.

* Directed group development of math-based tools for producing prototype connecting rods.

* Directed development of Corporate Preferred Materials List and Fastening Catalog.

* Received the University of Michigan Alumni Society Merit Award.

Dr. Heimbuch participated as author of over 30 publications on materials applications in automotive, and he is a member of many technical professional societies, including SAE, ASME and ASM. He received a BSME, with honors, at Iowa State University, an MSME and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. He resides with his wife in Romeo, Michigan.

"As a representative of the General Motors Corporation, Dr. Heimbuch was involved with all platform programs," said Jody Hall, chair, Strategic Planning and Review Committee (SPARC), Auto/Steel Partnership. "His last assignment was to establish best engineering practices with a goal of achieving materials and fastener commonization, a significant cost reduction program for General Motors Corporation.

"As a global automaker with many light vehicle platforms, some of which operate autonomously, it is important to standardize all materials and fastener specifications. This was an outstanding effort for Dr. Heimbuch," said Hall.

"Many of the things Dr. Heimbuch was doing in working with all General Motors' platform teams makes him well prepared to work with the Partnership program teams where individuals have strong technical or individual corporate interests," she said. "With representatives from three of the worlds leading automakers and the major North American steel companies all sitting at the same table, it's a challenge to get everyone to contribute to the best of their ability in solving issues of common interest. He is very much aware of the synergy of many working together on the same problem."

"The Auto/Steel Partnership has been leveraging the funds of its member companies successfully for 17 years, and everyone is comfortable with the process. Dr. Heimbuch's job is to maintain momentum. His tasks include evaluating, prioritizing and completing a wide variety of team projects. He must ensure that the needed disciplines are represented on each project team and that sufficient funding is provided. Lastly, he must make sure results are effectively communicated," said Hall.

  The Auto/Steel Partnership currently has 12 projects teams as follows:
  *  Lightweight Front End Structures
  *  Next Generation Safety Cage
  *  Lightweight Chassis Structures
  *  High-Strength Steel Stamping
  *  Hydro form Materials and Lubricants
  *  High-Strength Steel Joining Technologies
  *  Fatigue Characteristics
  *  Strain Rate Characterization
  *  Tribology
  *  NAAMS Assembly and Stamping Tooling
  *  A/SP Technology Transfer
  *  Lightweight Closure Team

Published results of A/SP programs can be viewed online at http://www.a-sp.org/ .

The Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) is a unique international association that includes the largest North American automotive companies and major sheet steel producers. Formed in 1987, the A/SP is the automotive industry's oldest OEM/supplier consortium. It leverages the resources of the automotive and steel industries to pursue research, validation and education common and critical to both industries. These A/SP activities assure continued leadership in the design and manufacture of automotive bodies utilizing sheet steel.

For more news, view the Auto/Steel Partnership's website at http://www.a-sp.org/ .

  Auto/Steel Partnership (A/SP) Members:
  *  Ford Motor Company
  *  DaimlerChrysler Corporation
  *  Dofasco Inc.
  *  General Motors Corporation
  *  Ispat Inland Inc.
  *  Nucor Corporation
  *  Severstal North America Inc.
  *  United States Steel Corporation