Freudenberg-NOK Selected for Sealing Development On Ford Transmission
23 July 1999
Freudenberg-NOK Selected for Sealing Development Program On Future Ford Transmission; Targets Another First
PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 23 -- Almost three years after
introducing North America's first total engine sealing program and two years
after being awarded the industry's first global total engine sealing program,
Freudenberg-NOK has signed a development agreement with Ford Motor Co. --
pioneering the supplier's first total transmission sealing program.
According to Freudenberg-NOK's Scott A. Follett, director, brand
management - Powertrain Products, the global Freudenberg and NOK Group would
like to bring the benefits of the total sealing concept to a future Ford
transmission. This total cost solution consists of factors such as reduced
warranty, longer product life and single-point supplier responsibility.
"Our total transmission sealing approach can improve product development
and reduce cost by offering the automaker an expert source of sealing
technology, which is focused intently on meeting the customer's requirements,"
Follett said. "With early involvement, we can develop a package of robust
seals and gaskets, gain the efficiencies offered by one-stop shopping for 20
to 30 different part numbers, and conduct value-analysis/value engineering
(VA/VE) studies to drive even greater package reliability, performance and
efficiency."
Follett indicated that the total sealing approach can help automakers
extend transmission and engine durability. By driving improvements which
could dramatically reduce automaker warranty failure rates, as well as
eliminate unsightly automatic transmission fluid and oil stains on the
consumer's driveway, the total sealing approach also can help automakers to
enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Freudenberg-NOK already provides powertrain seals and gaskets to Ford for
a number of OEM applications, and supplies transmission re-build kits to
Ford's Customer Service Division.
Freudenberg-NOK and its European partner, Freudenberg & Co. of Germany,
recently received Ford Full Service Supplier status for their transmission
seals and gaskets, engine seals and gaskets and vibration dampers, after
meeting the automaker's stringent guidelines in service, quality, delivery and
technical support.
The world's sealing technology leader -- holding more patents in its
product areas than any other supplier -- the global Freudenberg and NOK Group
has already scored a hat trick of total powertrain sealing concepts:
-- The auto industry's first total engine sealing program in 1994
(European diesel engine),
-- The first North American total engine sealing program in 1996, and
-- The first global total engine sealing program for an engine that will
be introduced in model year 2001 and produced in four countries around
the world.
Plymouth, Mich.-based Freudenberg-NOK is part of the Freudenberg and NOK
Group Companies, which have total annual sales of more than $6 billion. With
global automotive sales of approximately $3.5 billion, the Freudenberg and NOK
Group ranks among the world's top 20 automotive suppliers and is one of only
eight in the top 100 that has global balance in each of the three major
automotive markets -- Asia, Europe and North America.
Through a global network of facilities spanning 24 countries with some
23,000 automotive employees worldwide, the supplier group offers its
automotive customers globally integrated products, including sealing packages
for transmissions, engines, brakes, axles and steering, NVH (noise, vibration
and harshness) components and packages, and all rubber, plastic and PTFE
components for suspension, electrical and fuel systems.
The Freudenberg and NOK Group also offers an extensive portfolio of
precision-molded products for the aerospace, appliance, business machine,
fluid power, marine, medical, off-highway equipment and recreational vehicle
markets. For more information, visit the Freudenberg-NOK web site at
http://www.freudenberg-nok.com .