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Lear Earns Society of Plastics Engineers' Award

16 November 2000

Lear Corporation Earns Society of Plastics Engineers' Award For Multi-Purpose Package Shelf Design in Chrysler PT Cruiser

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Nov. 16 Lear Corporation
has received the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division's
"Most Innovative Use of Plastics" Award in the Body Interior category for
Lear's design of the innovative multi-purpose shelf featured in the rear cargo
compartment of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser.
    Brian Challaut, Supervisor of Engineering for DaimlerChrysler, accepted
the award at the SPE's 30th Annual Awards program at Detroit's Cobo Hall on
November 9, which was attended by about 1,000 auto industry executives and
engineers.  This year's program theme was "2001 - A Plastics Odyssey," with
seven categories of nominations covering applications that demonstrated
remarkable cost and environmental improvement while providing value in weight
and performance.
    Lear's blow-molded five-position utility shelf allows the consumer to
reconfigure the interior space to suit their individual needs.  In its highest
position, the shelf aligns with the upright seatbacks creating a security
curtain to conceal cargo; it can also be extended to form a tailgate picnic
shelf; and in its lowest position rests on the floor to facilitate cargo
loading.
    When used to divide the cargo area, the shelf doubles the useable space by
creating a ledge with enough room beneath for grocery bags.  Hooks on the
shelf's bottom keep the bags in an upright position.
    Other Lear products on the PT Cruiser include the instrument panel, door
panels, carpeting and sound abatement material, and hard trim.  The instrument
panel was designed to accommodate both right- and left-hand drive
configurations using a common base panel and a glove box that can be mounted
on either side.
    The SPE's Most Innovative Use of Plastics Awards have been recognizing
advancement in the automotive plastics industry since 1970.  The current award
is Lear's ninth honor and the third winning submission from Lear's blow-molded
technology group, led by Manager Mike Moran.