Weight-saving door panel receives SPE Automotive Award 2012
Johnson Controls has been honored by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe for its innovative door panel made of natural fibers.
The company, a global leader in automotive seating, interiors and electronics, won in the interior systems category for reducing the weight of the door panels of the new BMW 3 Series. Johnson Controls also was honored for the innovative production process used to make the panels.
For the non-visible door panel elements of the BMW 3 Series sedan and sports wagon models, Johnson Controls used raw materials that are renewable and environmentally-sound. The one piece door panel is made from a natural fiber carrier which is directly molded with plastic. This innovative production process makes the door panel 20 percent lighter than conventional components. A groove lamination process is used to apply the fabric or leather trim on the door panel. This process joins the trim in recesses, eliminating the need for an additional component and further reducing weight.
"I am delighted that we were able to impress not only our customers, but also the SPE jury of experts with our innovative door panel," said Achim Hosenfeld, vice president of business development, European OEMs, Product Group Interiors of Johnson Controls, who accepted the SPE Automotive Award.
SPE is a global society of engineers and scientists with more than 38,000 members. A jury of experts conferred the prestigious SPE Automotive Award based on four categories – Interior Systems, Exterior Applications, Applications under the Hood/Chassis, and Electronic Components.
In 2009, Johnson Controls won two awards in the interior systems category, including first place for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class door panel and first place for the rear side panel of the MINI Convertible, which provides a scratch-resistant surface.
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