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| WINNER |
Body Exterior - Entry 37 |
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Composite In-Bed Trunk |
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| OEM: | Honda | |
| Model: | Ridgeline | |
| Model Year: | 2006 | |
| System Supplier: | Meridian Automotive Systems | |
| Molder / Processor: | Meridian Automotive Systems | |
| Toolmaker: | Century / Global Tooling Systems | |
| Material Supplier: | Meridian / Ashland | |
| Generic Resin Type: | SMC | |
| Resin Trade Name: | N/A | |
| Grade: | N/A | |
| Summary: This is the industry’s first composite, multi-piece, in-bed trunk. The use of SMC composites permitted a lockable storage area in a pick-up truck that has integrated tie-down features, high carrying capacity (1100 lb), better impact strength, and improved slip and corrosion resistance. | ||
| Finalist |
Body Exterior - Entry 8 |
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Panorama Roof Module |
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| OEM: | General Motors | |
| Model: | Opel Zafira | |
| Model Year: | 2005 | |
| System Supplier: | Webasto AG | |
| Molder / Processor: | Webasto AG | |
| Toolmaker: | Webasto AG | |
| Material Supplier: | GE Advanced Materials | |
| Generic Resin Type: | ITR Copolymer | |
| Resin Trade Name: | Lexan SLX | |
| Grade: | 13020SR | |
| Summary: The Panorama Roof Module is an innovative plastic/glass structure, which creates the appearance of a panoramic roof built entirely of glass, yet features complex 3D geometries along the raised central spine. This design offers improved aerodynamics, exterior weathering, weight reduction, cost savings, integrated interior storage, is paint free, and is a 'one-step' OEM assembly. | ||
| Finalist |
Body Exterior - Entry 10 |
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Carbon-Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Fenders |
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| OEM: | General Motors | |
| Model: | Corvette Z06 | |
| Model Year: | 2006 | |
| System Supplier: | Vermont Composites, Inc | |
| Molder / Processor: | Vermont Composites, Inc | |
| Toolmaker: | Models and Tools, Inc. | |
| Material Supplier: | Toray Composites of America | |
| Generic Resin Type: | Epoxy | |
| Resin Trade Name: | N/A | |
| Grade: | G83 | |
| Summary: These fenders incorporate a carbon fiber/epoxy composite material and process for an ultra-light weight (70% mass reduction) and highly structural exterior component. This component currently represents the largest production volume of any high-performance, carbon-fiber-based automotive application. | ||
| Finalist |
Body Exterior - Entry 49 |
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All-Plastic Glass Run Channel |
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| OEM: | DaimlerChrysler | |
| Model: | Jeep Liberty | |
| Model Year: | 2005 | |
| System Supplier: | JYCO Sealing Technologies | |
| Molder / Processor: | JYCO Sealing Technologies | |
| Toolmaker: | JYCO Sealing Technologies | |
| Material Supplier: | ExxonMobil | |
| Generic Resin Type: | TPV | |
| Resin Trade Name: | Santoprene | |
| Grade: | 121-73 | |
| Summary: The industry’s first all-thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) glass-run channel offers a lower cost (32% reduction), weight reduction (2.64 kg per vehicle), and improved appearance. The recyclable thermoplastic material meets all application performance and durability requirements, and provides improved processing for the material processor. | ||
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Body Exterior - Entry 9 |
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Radiator Air Deflector Assembly |
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| OEM: | Ford | |
| Model: | Focus | |
| Model Year: | 2005 | |
| System Supplier: | Hematite | |
| Molder / Processor: | Hematite | |
| Toolmaker: | Portage Casting & Mold/Huron Model & Gage | |
| Material Supplier: | Hematite & Spartech | |
| Generic Resin Type: | HMWHDPE | |
| Resin Trade Name: | N/A | |
| Grade: | Exxon BA5100 | |
| Summary: A flexible, large thermoformed air dam results in multiple performance improvements. The high molecular weight (HMW) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) part (using a combination of virgin and recycled materials) offers improved curb impingement and low-temperature impact, lighter weight, and an improved air-drag coefficient. The application significantly lowers component costs and offers Ford improved road life to meet longer warranty requirements. | ||
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Body Exterior - Entry 11 |
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Luggage Rack Covers |
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| OEM: | Nissan | |
| Model: | Quest | |
| Model Year: | 2005 | |
| System Supplier: | JAC Products | |
| Molder / Processor: | JAC Products | |
| Toolmaker: | Lens Tool & Mold Ltd. | |
| Material Supplier: | GE Advanced Materials | |
| Generic Resin Type: | ASA/PC | |
| Resin Trade Name: | Geloy | |
| Grade: | FXW750SK | |
| Summary: These luggage-rack covers utilize a new type of metallic-look, molded-in color (MIC) thermoplastic resin that offers lower part costs (by eliminating painting) and meets long-term heat resistance, durability, and weatherability requirements. | ||
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Body Exterior - Entry 31 |
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Rear Fixed Window |
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| OEM: | Seat | |
| Model: | Leon | |
| Model Year: | 2005 | |
| System Supplier: | Freeglass | |
| Molder / Processor: | N/A | |
| Toolmaker: | N/A | |
| Material Supplier: | GE Advanced Materials | |
| Generic Resin Type: | PC | |
| Resin Trade Name: | Lexan | |
| Grade: | LS2 | |
| Summary: The Plastic Rear Window utilizes a uniquely molded polycarbonate rear window that meets weatherability, abrasion, and safety requirements. An integrated door-handle pocket offers styling and aerodynamic advantages not available in traditional tempered-glass solutions. A significant mass reduction (50% vs. glass) also is gained. | ||
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Body Exterior - Entry 38 |
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Power Fold Mirror Bracket |
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| OEM: | Ford | |
| Model: | F150 Pickup Truck | |
| Model Year: | 2004 | |
| System Supplier: | Magna Donnelly | |
| Molder / Processor: | Magna Donnelly | |
| Toolmaker: | Die Tech Engineering | |
| Material Supplier: | BASF Corporation | |
| Generic Resin Type: | PBT | |
| Resin Trade Name: | Ultradur | |
| Grade: | 4040G10 | |
| Summary: This power mirror bracket uses the industry’s first injection-molded design. A glass-filled polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) thermoplastic replaces a die-cast aluminum part, resulting in a 27% mass savings and 30% cost savings. | ||
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Body Exterior - Entry 47 |
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Thermoformed Tonneau Cover System |
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| OEM: | Honda | |
| Model: | Ridgeline | |
| Model Year: | 2006 | |
| System Supplier: | Durakon Industries | |
| Molder / Processor: | Durakon Mexicana | |
| Toolmaker: | Parker Tool | |
| Material Supplier: | A. Schulman Co. | |
| Generic Resin Type: | TPO | |
| Resin Trade Name: | TPO | |
| Grade: | 1026 | |
| Summary: This new tonneau cover utilizes a foam-filled, twin-sheet thermoformed construction that offers a lightweight (30% mass savings), low cost, Class-A appearance. The thermoplastic olefin (TPO) based application has improved structural integrity, water management, and ergonomic handling. | ||
