Ernst & Young Announces 1999 Automotive News PACE Awards Finalists
9 November 1998
Ernst & Young Announces 1999 Automotive News PACE Awards Finalists
PACE Finalists Exemplify Innovation Driving the Automotive Industry
DETROIT, Nov. 9 -- Ernst & Young LLP and Automotive News have
announced 20 finalists for the prestigious 1999 Automotive News PACE Awards.
The annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contributions to Excellence)
Awards program recognizes standout automotive suppliers who have excelled in
adapting and reinventing their companies or their products to meet the growing
service and quality demands of their customers -- the world's major automotive
manufacturers.
Finalists are raising the level of competition throughout the industry by
introducing new products and better practices. Innovations launched by this
year's finalists' include:
* A catalyst system that converts environmental pollutants into oxygen.
* A durable material for instrument panels that allows designers to cut
an invisible "tear line" in the material through which an air bag can
be deployed.
* An adjustable pedal system that brings the pedals to the driver;
thereby, reducing the risk of air bag-related injuries.
* A plastic -- rubber hybrid material that has the processing
characteristics and product applications of plastic with the
performance advantages of rubber.
* Vision sensors that condense manufacturing operations and reduce the
need for factory floor space.
"Each year, the supplier industry is faced with the challenge of
increasing productivity, and at the same time increasing the value of their
product to the customer. This year's finalists and semifinalists have come
forth with enormously creative responses to those challenges," says Lee Sage,
global automotive leader of Ernst & Young. "Once again this year, we would
like to extend recognition to companies that distinguish themselves from their
competition with innovative and creative approaches to the challenges they
face in the industry. We are proud to be a founder and sponsor of this
award."
Recipients of the 1999 PACE Awards will be announced at an awards ceremony
at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., on March 1, 1999, which coincides
with the start of the 1999 SAE International Congress and Exposition.
The 20 finalists (please see attachments) move on to the second stage in
the application process, which includes a site visit to evaluate both the
innovation and management teams of these companies. An independent panel of
distinguished judges, consisting of industry, academic and business leaders,
will determine the recipients of the 1999 PACE Awards.
In addition to 20 finalists, the PACE Awards selection committee also
honored 12 semifinalists for their innovative achievements. These 12 honorees
are recognized as exceptional contributors to the automotive industry.
For the fifth consecutive year, Automotive News and Ernst & Young are
co-presenters of the awards, which are dedicated to promoting product,
manufacturing and service achievements by automotive suppliers of all sizes.
For profiles of previous PACE winners, visit the PACE Web site at
http://www.ey.com/pace. For more information call 800-816-PACE.
Ernst & Young LLP provides assurance and advisory business services, tax
services, and consulting for domestic and global clients. The firm has 27,000
people in 89 cities. Ernst & Young is a leading provider of performance
improvement, technology enhancement, assurance and tax services to the
automotive industry globally. The firm publishes comprehensive marketplace
reports, including the annual "PACE Findings Report," "Profile of Tomorrow's
Automotive Supplier" and "Asia-Pacific Automotive Industry: A Brief Summary of
Risks and Rewards." Visit the Ernst & Young Web site at http://www.ey.com.
Founded in 1925, Automotive News is published every Monday in Detroit by
Crain Communications Inc., a privately held company that publishes over 30
consumer, business and trade publications. This newsweekly provides in-depth
coverage of the auto industry and is written for original equipment
manufacturers, their franchised dealers and suppliers. Readers are primarily
decision-makers from all segments of the automotive industry, as well as
others allied with it. It is the only 100% paid publication in the industry.
1999 PACE FINALISTS AND SEMIFINALISTS
The 20 finalists for the 1999 PACE Awards:
* ASHA Corporation -- GERODISC(TM), Santa Barbara, CA
* Benteler Automotive Corporation -- WIN88 Rear Axle, Grand Rapids, MI
* CEC Consultants, Inc. -- Optical Sensor Ventilation Management Systems,
Cleveland, OH
* Collins & Aikman Products Company -- Velflex Stretchable Woven Velour
Fabric, Charlotte, NC
* Dana Corporation, Modules & Systems Group -- Rolling Chassis(TM),
Ottawa
Lake, MI
* Delphi Automotive Systems -- E-Steer(TM) Electric Power Steering
System, Saginaw, MI
* Delphi Automotive Systems -- Galileo(TM) Brake System, Dayton, OH
* Engelhard Corporation -- PremAir(R) Catalyst System, Iselin, NJ
* The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company -- "Run Flat" Tire, Akron, OH
* Johnson Controls, Inc. -- Comfort Engineering Laboratory, Plymouth, MI
* LMI SAMI -- In-Process Monitoring in Assembly Tools, Windsor, ON/Can
* Meritor Automotive, Inc. -- RHP Highway Parallelogram Trailer Air
Suspension Systems, Troy, MI
* Motorola, Inc. -- MPC555 PowerPC Microcontroller, Austin, TX
* NRI Industries, Inc. -- Symar T, Toronto, ON/Can
* Petoskey Plastics, Inc. -- PCR Resin, Petoskey, MI
* Stackpole Ltd. -- Selective Densification of Powdered Metal Gears,
Oakville, ON/Can
* Teleflex, Inc. -- Adjustable Pedal System, Troy, MI
* Textron Automotive Company, Inc. -- ATPU Instrument Panel Cover
Material , Troy, MI
* Textron Automotive Company, Inc. -- ASCTec(R), Manchester, NH
* Transmission Technologies Corporation -- AMT-7 Truck Transmission,
Farmington Hills, MI
The 12 semifinalists for the 1999 PACE Awards:
* Blazer Lighting -- Projector Fog Lamp Module, Troy, MI
* Control Devices, Inc. -- Solar Twilight Sensor, Standish, ME
* Delphi Automotive Systems, GEN III Bearings -- Multipole ABS Sensing,
Dayton, OH
* Delphi Automotive Systems -- Power Sliding Door, Troy, MI
* Eaton Actuator & Sensor Division/G.T. Products, Inc. -- On-board
Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) System, Ann Arbor, MI
* ITT Automotive, Fluid Handling Systems -- "Posi-Lock" Quick Connecter,
Auburn Hills, MI
* Siemens Automotive-Powertrain, Air Induction -- "Generation III"
Manifold with Helmholtz Resonator, Windsor, ON/Can
* Tenneco Automotive -- SLE(TM)(Self-Lubricating Elastomer(TM)),
Monroe, MI
* United Technologies Automotive Systems, Inc. -- Conductive Plastic
Mirrors, Dearborn, MI
* Wagner Lighting/Hampton Plant -- Headlamp and Foglamp Modules, Troy, MI
* The Woodbridge Group -- Headliner Substrate, Mississauga, ON/Can
* The Woodbridge Group -- Trim-Free Venting, Mississauga, ON/Can
PROFILES OF 1999 PACE(TM) FINALISTS
ASHA Corporation
Santa Barbara, California
For GERODISC(TM)
GERODISC(TM) is a hydromechanical coupling device designed to send torque
to the wheel or wheels of a vehicle that have the most traction, thus avoiding
wheel slip. Unlike other limited-slip options -- which range from simple
mechanical and viscous devices to complex ABS-based traction control systems
-- GERODISC can be used as a single technology in all platforms and drive-line
configurations, and is compatible with existing ABS and other computer-driven
yaw- and braking-control technologies. GERODISC, which was used by Jim Hall's
CART team during the 1996 Indy car series, is being implemented by Chrysler on
its 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and is available as an option on all other Jeeps.
Benteler Automotive Corporation
Grand Rapids, Michigan
For WIN88 Rear Axle for the 1998 Ford Windstar Minivan
Benteler met Ford's targets for ride, handling, cost, and weight in a new
trailing axle with a combination of innovative design and fabrication
techniques. The WIN88 twist-beam axle uses a patented cold-formed U-profiled
design that eliminates the need for a torsion bar. The unique interlock
system controls stress and fatigue, which is critical to durability. The
program has been so successful that additional building is necessary to meet
the demands of Ford and other OEMs.
CEC Consultants, Inc.
Cleveland, Ohio
For Optical Sensor Ventilation Management Systems
CEC's optical haze-sensor technology and ventilation management process
are clearing the air and cutting costs at Ford Motor Company plants. The new
optical technology complements CEC's ventilation management process by
measuring very small but visible contaminants in breathing air. This
information is then used to optimize quantities of outside ventilation air and
exhausts. Five Ford Motor Company plants have used CEC's ventilation
management process to cut costs by 10% -- 15% while improving air quality and
reducing comfort complaints. The Ford Sharonville plant makes use of CEC's
new optical sensor to track improvements. CEC's ventilation management
process has boosted sales by about 25%, and CEC foresees hundreds of
applications outside of the automotive industry, as well.
Collins & Aikman Products Company
Automotive Fabrics Division
Charlotte, North Carolina
For Velflex Stretchable Woven Velour Fabric
Velflex is a flexible, stretchable, woven velour fabric, suitable for use
on today's high contour automotive seats. Controlled shrinkage of specially
heat-treated filaments provides the finished fabric with stretch
characteristics similar to those of a knit fabric. A back coating with
required elasticity was developed at the same time. Velflex is in use in one
1998 line, with 15 more programs in the pipeline for model year 2001.
Especially impressive to PACE judges was Collins & Aikman's recognition of the
four employees who developed Velflex, indicating a corporate culture that
supports and rewards innovation.
Dana Corporation
Modules & Systems Group
Ottawa Lake, Michigan
For Rolling Chassis(TM)
Dana describes its Rolling Chassis(TM) as the most complex module ever
supplied to an OEM for light-duty application. It incorporates more than 200
components from 66 suppliers, including the frame, front and rear axles,
drive-shaft, suspension, steering system, brakes, fuel tank, electrical
circuits, wheels, and tires. The aptly named module is currently used by
Chrysler in Campo Largo, Brazil, for the Dodge Dakota, providing reduced plant
investment, inventory investment, number of suppliers to manage, and time-to-
market. The contribution made by Dana to this relationship goes beyond the
value contained in the components. It also includes many aspects of overall
program management, including worldwide logistics, engineering change
management, warranty administration, and Tier 2 scheduling and development.
Delphi Automotive Systems
Saginaw, Michigan
For E-Steer(TM) Electric Power Steering System
E-Steer(TM) is an electric, engine-independent steering system that uses
the vehicle's battery to power a 12-volt brushless motor, which provides the
steering assist. Since it runs off the battery, the power steering is
operable even when the engine stalls or is turned off. Eliminated are
hydraulic fluid, hoses, seals, and pump assembly. E-Steer is programmable,
enabling steering characteristics to be tuned using system software and
controller rather than changes to the hardware. E-Steer is viewed as one of a
number of initial steps in eventual drive-by-wire, collision avoidance, and
automated highway applications.
Delphi Automotive Systems
Dayton, Ohio
For Galileo(TM) Brake System
Delphi's Galileo(TM) advanced brake system was first used on the EV
vehicle. It is a brake-by-wire system that provides all the advanced
functions (ABS, traction control, and dynamic proportioning and regenerative
braking) through a closed-loop, electrically activated system. The innovation
includes a rear electric brake, an automatically applied and released parking
brake, metal matrix composite drums, a brake-by-wire controller, and a pedal-
feel emulator. It eliminates some traditional brake parts such as the vacuum
booster, rear hydraulic lines, and parking brake cables. The combination of a
pedal-feel emulator and brake-controller logic allows the system to be tuned
electronically to provide the desired feel of a conventional brake system.
Engelhard Corporation
Iselin, New Jersey
For PremAir(C) Catalyst System
Vehicles equipped with the PremAir(C) catalyst system, such as the new
Volvo S80, become part of the fight against environmental pollutants. When
used on the surface of a car's radiator, the PremAir catalyst promotes a
chemical reaction to destroy ozone in the air that passes over it, converting
about 75% of it into oxygen. This effect will continue beyond 100,000 miles,
and does not otherwise affect vehicle operation. PremAir is the first
technology that enables vehicles to destroy pollutants already present in the
air. The first commercial order was for 33 natural-gas-powered buses in Palm
Springs, Calif. Engelhard also pioneered the three-way catalytic converter.
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Akron, Ohio
For "Run-Flat" Tire
The elimination of the spare tire, wheel, and jack -- and consequently
fewer tires that end up in landfills -- is made possible by Goodyear's Eagle
extended mobility technology (EMT) "run-flat" tires. Fitted with a low-
pressure warning system, the tire can run at highway speeds when a flat has
occurred, without loss of control or the need for what might prove to be a
dangerous tire change. Just as important, these "run flat" tires can be
fitted on affordable, conventional automobile wheels. Currently in use on the
C5 Corvette and Plymouth Prowler, the "run-flat" tire is destined for
additional original-equipment applications in the future.
Johnson Controls, Inc.
Plymouth, Michigan
For Comfort Engineering Laboratory
The goal of Johnson Controls' Comfort Engineering Laboratory, located in
Plymouth, Michigan, is to engineer comfort in seating and the arrangement of
interior modules. The facility is equipped with scientific tools to optimize
interior comfort, including an elaborate driving simulator -- the only one of
its kind in the auto industry today capable of measurements up to 50hz.
Drivers can test (with precise measurement) a variety of interior features,
from seating to switches, sound, even the use of cup holders. Developed by
JCI and cross-industry consultants for use by customers, the lab became fully
operational in 1998.
LMI SAMI
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
For In-Process Monitoring in Assembly Tools
LMI (Laser Measurement International) SAMI developed in-process, laser-
triangulation vision sensors for close-in use in a welding environment to
determine dimensional process and stability or to detect any unintended
variations. This innovation -- workable in a very hostile environment on
sheet metal while in process -- has reduced scrap and needed floor space,
improved tooling maintenance, and provided data for continuous improvement.
An alternative to checking at the end of a line or coordinating measuring
machines, this system can also monitor a variety of different parts or shapes.
It has essentially been designed for the automotive industry from applications
for automotive sheet-metal assembly processes, which are historically very
congested.
Meritor Automotive, Inc.
Troy, Michigan
For RHP Highway Parallelogram Trailer Air Suspension Systems
The RHP is an integrated solution that simplifies and improves trailer air
suspension technology. Designed for the North American dry van, refrigerated
van, and other sliding tandem trailer applications, the RHP system offers a
unique parallelogram tandem design that replaces two separate suspensions on a
frame with a single unified frame bracket. The result is a lighter, more
compact system that offers better trailer stability and an improved ride for
driver and cargo. The parallelogram design eliminates "dock walk," where
repeated loading cycles can cause trailers equipped with trailing arm
suspensions to creep away from the loading dock. With this new system,
periodic inspections substitute for routine regular maintenance.
Motorola, Inc.
Semiconductor Products Sector
Austin, Texas
For MPC555 PowerPC Microcontroller
The MPC555 is a powerful, highly integrated, PowerPC(TM)-based
microcontroller designed to address the needs of powertrain control in
automobiles. MPC555 features a large embedded flash memory, enabling it to be
programmed or reprogrammed any time during the vehicle manufacturing process
or even at the dealership, which adds flexibility and reduces time-to-market.
Designed to operate at temperatures up to 125* C, the microcontroller can be
engine-mounted. Further, it can support a wide range of engine types, from 4
to 12 cylinders, for gas, diesel, or hybrid.
NRI Industries, Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
For Symar T
Responding to the growing demand for recycled content in automotive
materials, NRI Industries developed Symar T, a hybrid polyolefin-based
thermoplastic elastomer, containing up to 60% post-consumer, tire-derived
rubber. Symar T combines the processing characteristics and product
applications of plastic with the performance advantages associated with
rubber: part flexibility, thus allowing ease of installation; sound absorption
vs. a sound barrier; and higher cold-weather impact. Its processing traits
allow Symar T to be injection molded, thermoformed, vacuum formed, blow
molded, or extruded. Symar T can also be painted or accept in-line film
application; its rubber content does not impair normal adhesion properties.
Symar T has proved itself to be a versatile and cost-effective alternative
that contributes positively to environmental and recycling considerations for
the benefit of both society and industry.
Petoskey Plastics, Inc.
Petoskey, Michigan
For PCR Resin
The three-layer Slip-N-Grip(C) protective seat covers -- originally
developed in 1983 for Ford for use during manufacturing -- now incorporate the
use of post-consumer recycled/recyclable (PCR) resin processed by Petoskey
Plastics. The PCR resin -- recycled from plastic film waste otherwise
destined for landfills -- is extruded and sandwiched between the inner and
outer layers of Slip-N-Grip protective seat covers, which are, in turn,
recyclable. As designed and shipped, the seat covers eliminate the need for
floor space and warranty cleaning costs caused by grease transferred from
seating tracks to seat surfaces. Although Ford remains the No. 1 user of the
PCR-content seat covers, Petoskey Plastics is in the launch phase of a closed-
loop recycling program with Chrysler, which will recycle 620,000 pounds of
plastic film waste annually.
Stackpole Ltd.
Oakville, Ontario, Canada
For Selective Densification of Powdered Metal Gears
The traditional advantages of powdered metal are decreased weight and
lessened requirements for secondary machining, but the process historically
produced parts that weren't strong enough for highly demanding metal-to-metal
applications. Through the use of "selective densification" and patented high-
strength alloys, Stackpole is able to produce high-load gears and sprockets.
The SelectDens(TM) process can selectively produce a thin skin of fully dense
material in teeth and journal regions of gears, where it's essential for
reliable function. This is a cold-working process carried out after the
powdered metal parts are compacted and sintered at very high temperatures.
General Motors has adopted this technology for use in high-load transmission
sprocket applications, found in 22 models, including Aurora, Intrigue,
Bonneville, and Grand Prix.
Teleflex, Inc.
Teleflex Automotive Group
Troy, Michigan
For Adjustable Pedal System
The Teleflex pedal system, which is to be fitted to vehicles for the first
time in 1999, allows drivers of shorter stature to sit at a more normal
distance from the airbag's deployment point, and reduces the need for frequent
forward-rearward adjustment of the driver's seat. Pedals are, in essence,
brought to the driver. The system provides rearward adjustment of
accelerator, brake, and clutch, while maintaining relative position of the
pedals. While there have been nonmotorized, nonmemory pedal adjustment
systems in the past, this is the first to have the potential to be mass-
produced and fitted to production vehicles.
Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
Trim Division
Troy, Michigan
For ATPU Instrument Panel Cover Material
Textron Automotive Company has developed a new instrument panel cover
material that can replace the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) commonly used for soft
instrument panels. Aliphatic Thermoplastic Urethane (ATPU), is more durable
than PVC and can accept laser scoring on the backside. This score line allows
for an invisible passenger-side inflatable restraint "escape" tear line,
rather than a separate unsightly escape door on the instrument panel surface.
This new material can be cast molded using existing PVC cast molding
equipment. Textron Automotive Company uses its patented Minibead(TM) process
to manufacture ATPU, which reduces costs and optimizes the cast molding
process. This innovation appears on the 1998 Chrysler LH programs, which
consists of the Dodge Intrepid, Chrysler Concorde, LHS and 300 series
vehicles.
Textron Automotive Company, Inc.
McCord Winn Textron
Manchester, New Hampshire
For ASCTec(C)
ASCTec(C) (Active Surface Control Technology) is a microprocessor-
controlled surface of segmented air cells, that can be configured into an
automobile seat back and bottom. ASCTec senses, compares, and makes
adjustments automatically to reduce pressure points and improve position of
the occupant, and the comfort of the seat. Responding to industry requests
for memory functions in lumbar support, McCord Winn Textron believes that
seats designed for the health and comfort of each occupant must be dynamic and
therefore customized to each individual. ASCTec can be found on the 1998
Cadillac Seville STS, and is now being developed with other OEMs.
Transmission Technologies Corporation
Farmington Hills, Michigan
For AMT-7 Truck Transmission
For many years, a cost-effective, reliable alternative to an automatic
transmission has been needed for use in medium duty trucks. Based on
Transmission Technologies' mechanical, synchronized, seven-speed
transmission, the AMT-7 is a new automated mechanical transmission that has no
clutch pedal, and only a PRNDL shifter. The unit smoothly performs both
shifting and clutch operations for the driver, enabling even those who are not
professionally trained truck drivers to operate them. Product launch is
scheduled to be completed by January 1999 for use by several manufacturers in
a number of fleets.