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Weight-saving door panel receives SPE Automotive Award 2012

Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe honors Johnson Controls for innovative door panel made of natural fibers

Johnson Controls makes the hybrid door panels for the new BMW 3 Series using a combination of natural fibers and plastic. They are 20 percent lighter than conventional components.

Johnson Controls was the recipient of a 14th Automotive Division Award from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe in the interior systems category. The company won the award for reducing weight and the innovative production process used in the door panels of the new BMW 3 Series.

 

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.

 

Astrid Kahlen (Program Manager Business Development) receives the SPE Award 2012

"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.

 

The success story continues in 2012
SPE is a global society of engineers and scientists with over 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.

 

To learn more about our natural fibers capabilities, visit our Natural Materials microsite.

2012 SPE Award
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