| Description |
|
Tonneau Cover |
| OEM, Model, Model Year |
|
Ford, Lincoln Blackwood, 2002 |
| System Supplier |
|
Magna Steyr |
| Molder/Processor, Contact and Phone |
|
Meridian Automotive Systems, David S Dyke, (248)515-0902 |
| Toolmaker, Contact and Phone |
|
Century Tool, Mike Cummings, (248)629-0784 |
| Material Supplier, Contact |
|
Ashland Specialty Chemical Co., Lou Dodyk |
| Generic resin type |
|
Polyester SMC |
| OEM Engineer, Title and Phone |
|
Henry Brice, CPE, (313)248-5189 |
| Nominated by, Company |
|
David S Dyke, Meridian Automotive Systems |
| Address |
|
29333 Stephenson Hwy, Madison Hgts, MI 48071 |
| Phone |
|
(248)586-2576 |
| Fax |
|
(248)586-3451 |
| Email |
|
ddyke@meridianautosystems.com |
| Summary | | It is the first class a painted tonneau offered by an OEM. It is the first electric tonneau offered. The tonneau can be opened and closed via key fob or switch in the vehicle. Fully water sealed to the pickup bed. Weight Savings: N/A Cost Savings: N/A Cost Avoidance: N/A |
| Most Innovative Feature | | It is the first class a painted tonneau offered by an OEM. |
| Other Innovative Features | | It is the first electric tonneau offered. The tonneau can be opened and closed via key fob or switch in the vehicle. |
| Forming Process | | Compression molded SMC. It is the largest application for a class a painted automotive panel built to luxury car appearance standards. |
| First time process used? | | Yes. It is also the first time this kind of component has been offered at all. |
| Previous Process Used | | 1. Hand laid glass in the after market; 2. Multiple piece non class a manual systems in compression molding |
| Tooling Innovations | | None |
| New Material Developments | | None |
| Weight Savings | | N/A |
| Direct Cost Savings | | N/A |
| Indirect Cost Savings | | N/A |
| Direct Consumer Benefit | | Improved aerodynamics for fuel efficiency, water sealed cargo bed cover, ergonomically friendly and convenient (electric opening/closing). |
| Translates to other Vehicles? | | Yes. It can be used for all truck bed applications. |
| Safety Benefits | | Incorporates safety strip to protect against finer/obstruction pinch. |
| Environmental Benefits | | None |
| Additional Info | | This is a large volume of composites in a new application. The opportunities based on the vehicle production volumes are staggering for the composites industry. |