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Honda and Mechanical Dynamics Agree to Jointly Develop Technology/TITLE>

31 October 2000

Honda and Mechanical Dynamics Agree to Jointly Develop Advanced Simulation Technology for ADAMS(R)/Engine

    ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 30 In an effort to achieve its goal
of complete engine simulation on the computer, Honda R&D Asaka Center, Japan,
and Mechanical Dynamics, Inc. will jointly develop advanced
simulation technology that will be used in Mechanical Dynamics'
ADAMS(R)/Engine simulation software.
    Known as a leader in engine technology, Honda is the world's largest
producer of internal combustion engines, with annual production exceeding 10
million units.  Honda wants to produce engines that run cleaner, are more
fuel-efficient, and make use of lighter-weight composite materials.  The Asaka
R&D Center wants to shorten the lead time of the development process while
maintaining high product quality by using leading-edge simulation
technologies. The first joint project with Mechanical Dynamics' consultants
involves optimizing the engine's durability; other planned projects include
reduction of engine vibrations.
    "This partnership with Honda will extend Mechanical Dynamics' simulation
technology into new areas of engine development, and we believe both companies
will benefit from this exchange of expertise," said Robert R. Ryan, president
of Mechanical Dynamics.   "What we learn will not only advance Honda's
corporate goals, but will be integrated into future releases of ADAMS/Engine."
    ADAMS(R)/Engine is a specialized simulation environment that allows users
to predict, refine, and optimize the performance of individual powertrain
components and subsystems -- as well as the complete engine -- at any stage of
development, or as part of an overall vehicle design.  ADAMS/Engine enables
engineers to solve problems of structural load, durability, vibration, and
performance of powertrain systems within cost, weight, and packaging
constraints.
    A Honda spokesperson said, "In order to meet the challenges we face in
satisfying the varied needs of our customers around the world, Honda has set
the goal of fully designing and simulating engine performance on the computer.
This will save time and cost, and allow us to optimize and innovate engine
designs.  Using ADAMS as one of our core tools, and working with Mechanical
Dynamics to extend this technology, will help us reach this goal."
    Along with ADAMS/Car, ADAMS/Engine is a key component in Mechanical
Dynamics' Functional Digital Car(TM) concept, which allows simulation of a
complete vehicle including chassis, engine, driveline, and body.  In addition
to providing answers on how the overall system and its components move, the
Functional Digital Car gives users an understanding of how that movement
affects packaging, comfort, vibration, noise, and component durability.
    Mechanical Dynamics pioneered the field of mechanical system simulation
with its market-leading ADAMS(R) software, and remains committed to extending
the capabilities of this technology to benefit manufacturers in every industry
worldwide.  Engineering teams use ADAMS to build and test functional virtual
prototypes of their complex mechanical system designs.  Along with getting to
market faster and at lower cost, the company's functional virtual prototyping
solutions provide additional significant benefits: closer integration between
manufacturers and their suppliers; increased communication among design,
analysis, and engineering teams; and the ability to manage the risks of the
design process through more and better information earlier in the cycle.
    Mechanical Dynamics also offers extensive implementation services,
including consulting and training.  In this way, the company partners with its
customers to help reduce the time, costs, and risks of the product development
process and meet the "Smarter to Market(TM)" challenge.