Johnson Controls, one of the world's leading suppliers of automotive interior systems and electronics, has bagged two awards at the 12th Automotive Division Award of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Central Europe in the category interior systems. The company took 1st place for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class door panel which won over the jury with its highly perceived quality and scratch-resistant map pocket. The company also took 1st place for the rear side panel of the new MINI Convertible, which is characterized by its scratch-resistant surface.
In the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, a elementary revision of the material and production concept led to a further increase in perceived quality while offering the greatest customization options. An attractive haptic with a high-quality surface, the materials demonstrate the high quality standards both visibly and perceptibly. Significant weight and cost savings potential could also be realized in close cooperation with the automaker. The new door panels are 10% lighter than those in the previous model, thus reducing consumption and emissions, and making the vehicle more environmentally friendly. The supply contains the entire door panel, including map pocket, center panel, armrest and upper trim panel. In addition, ambient lighting solutions were installed above the door center panels and in the door handles, and sun shades were integrated in the rear door to contribute to the feel good factor.
In the rear side panel for the new MINI Convertible, PP Thin Film technology used to design scratch resistant quality surfaces and mat finish of the components impressed the jury. The PP Thin Film technology consists of a composite foil made up of several, primarily polypropylene (PP) layers, manufactured in a direct mold-behind process. With this process, all types of polypropylene can be used as substrates - it even accommodates fiber glass-reinforced plastics and recycled materials. Unlike painted component surfaces, these foils are not easily scratched. A variable degree of glossiness enables optimum adaptation to match the finish of other components. Additionally, stability from repeated use increases because the chipping common with painted surfaces is eliminated. The new foil is ideal for all interior components designed to be covered with foil.
16-Jun-09 
{{comment.DateTimeStampDisplay}}
{{comment.Comments}}