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SPE to Honor Industry's First Complete Roof System

12 November 1999

SPE to Honor Industry's First Complete Roof System, Developed by Meritor Automotive, as Finalist for Innovative Use of Plastics Award

    TROY, Mich., Nov. 11 -- An innovative roof module program
developed by Meritor Automotive for DaimlerChrysler has been
honored as a finalist for The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) annual award
for Most Innovative Use of Plastics in the process and enabling technology
category.  The module, which debuted on the 1999 MCC SmartCar, is the
industry's first complete roof system manufactured with pre-assembled roof
components.
    "As a major supplier to OEMs, Meritor intimately understands its
customers' success factors," said Erik Roeren, senior director, Engineering
and Customer Programs.  "The roof module we developed for the SmartCar is an
innovative alternative to the traditional steel roof and provided
DaimlerChrysler with greater flexibility in the assembly process.  It
specifically addressed the customer's requirements of reduced cost and weight,
with improved quality and added value."
    The module's components are made from a combination of materials,
including paintless film, polyurethane foam, glass fiber and headliner fabric.
As a result, it is 30 to 50 percent lighter than traditional steel roofs,
reducing the costs associated with greater vehicle weight and material
content.  The concept for the roof module was developed in 1995 by the Roof
Systems Advanced Engineering Team at Meritor in Frankfurt, Germany.  The
design combines several components into one complete system, providing OEMs
with more design and manufacturing flexibility compared to traditional steel
roofs.  This translates into cost savings.  The single-source module reduces
OEM engineering and development efforts, logistic and purchasing steps, as
well as assembly time.
    During assembly, the roof can be left open to allow the OEM to top load
internal components, such as seats and carpeting, instead of manually through
the door openings.  Once the components are in place, the opening is filled
and sealed with the roof module.  This can significantly reduce assembly time
as well.
    While the SmartCar features the basic roof module, Meritor has the
technology to produce roof modules with sunroofs, t-tops, canvas or multipanel
openings.
    SPE awards are given annually based on the trend-setting nature of an
application and its impact on the automotive industry.  The SPE's Automotive
Division is dedicated to recognizing and communicating technical
accomplishments in all phases of new automotive plastics and plastic-based
composite applications, including material, process, equipment, tooling and
design.  The winners of the 1999 SPE awards will be announced this evening,
Thursday, November 11, at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Mich.
    Meritor, with 1998 sales of $3.8 billion, is a global supplier of a broad
range of components and systems for commercial, specialty and light vehicle
OEMs and the aftermarket.  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, and fire and rescue; and Light
Vehicle Systems, a major supplier of roof, door, access control, suspension
systems and wheel products for passenger cars, light trucks and sport utility
vehicles.