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Next Generation Sunroof System From Meritor Standardizes Sunroofs Across Platforms, Reduces Vehicle Weight

26 February 1998

Next Generation Sunroof System From Meritor Standardizes Sunroofs Across Platforms, Reduces Vehicle Weight

    DETROIT, Feb. 26 -- Meritor Automotive, Inc.
today introduced its next-generation sunroof system, the B Plus(TM).  This
patented modular system is designed to help lower OEM costs by providing a
standardized sunroof capable of installation across a wide number of vehicle
platforms.  The new product has considerably fewer parts than comparable
systems, helping to improve reliability while decreasing unit weight.  (SAE
exhibit #2113)
    The B Plus features Meritor's patented U-frame design.  The lightweight
extruded-aluminum frame integrates sunroof system mechanisms, cables and water
management.  This patented approach means that fully-assembled sunroof systems
can be delivered just-in-time to the assembly line ready for installation,
saving the OEM installation time and lowering overall cost to manufacture.
    "Our customers will find the B Plus can be used on many different
vehicles," said Ken Myers, general manager, Roof Systems - Americas.  "This
will help to reduce design time, tooling costs, inventories, training and
aftermarket costs all contributing to increased customer satisfaction.

    Inner Workings
    The B Plus is a slide/tilt glass sunroof with approximately 40 percent
fewer components than competitive systems.  Fewer parts help to make the
system less prone to operational problems, while significantly reducing its
unit weight.  High-strength plastics, which replace traditional metal
components, also contribute to a lower weight unit.  Finite Element Analysis
and advanced testing show that the B Plus exceeds industry reliability
standards.
    The B Plus is fully assembled and tested at Meritor facilities prior to
shipment so that customers are assured of a precision sunroof system arriving
at the assembly line.  This new system was designed and engineered at
Meritor's Technical Center of Expertise in Frankfurt, Germany, and will appear
on 1999 models Volkwagen Golf, Jetta, New Beetle, Passet B5, Seat S5 and Audi
A4.
    Meritor's Roof Systems business is a world-class supplier of sunroof
systems and sunvisors.  Approximately 2 million Meritor sunroofs are installed
annually in cars and light-trucks across the globe.  The division supplies the
majority of the world's passenger car manufacturers and is uniquely positioned
to meet the requirements of vehicle manufacturers for roof system design,
engineering and manufacturing.
    Meritor, with 1997 sales of $3.3 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicles.
Meritor consists of two businesses:  Heavy Vehicle Systems, a leading supplier
of drivetrain systems and components for medium- and heavy-duty trucks,
trailers and off-highway equipment and specialty vehicles including military,
bus and coach, fire and rescue; and Light Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of
roof, door, access control and seat adjusting systems, electric motors,
suspension systems and wheels for passenger cars, light trucks and sport
utility vehicles.
SOURCE  Meritor Automotive, Inc.