VC Visteon Corporation

Visteon Named Finalist for Two-Color, Two-Shot Manufacturing Process; Receives Honorable Mention for Stitched Visteon Laminate Insert Molding VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich., Oct. 21, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Visteon Corporation (NYSE:VC), has been named a finalist in the 2009 Automotive News PACE Award Competition for the innovative Two-Color, Two-Shot manufacturing process used to produce the stylish two-toned instrument panel for the 2009 Dodge Ram ST and SLT trucks. The company was also recognized for its Stitched Visteon Laminate Insert Molding (VLIM) process used on the Dodge Ram Laramie model. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO ) The PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award is presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc., and recognizes suppliers for superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance. 2009 will be the sixth consecutive year Visteon has been recognized in the PACE Awards program. "It's been both an honor and a pleasure to work with Chrysler on such an important and pivotal vehicle program," Terry Gohl, president of Visteon's interiors group, said of the global supplier's involvement on the Dodge Ram interior. "We're pleased that interiors technologies applied on this highly acclaimed truck have earned PACE recognition for Visteon." Two-tone components in a single sequence Visteon's two-tone mold-in-color instrument panel is a unique injection molding process that creates two-tone components in a single molding sequence. "What is so extraordinary about this process is the sheer size of the finished part, as well as the injection molding machine," explained Gohl. "The Visteon-designed tool involves using a rotating platen machine that fits an entire instrument panel so the process can be done in one sequence. This single process improves quality -- both in craftsmanship, and fit and finish." This manufacturing breakthrough was the result of Visteon's desire to create a two-tone instrument panel while controlling cost. The process also improves quality by reducing buzz, squeak and rattle. The rotating platen, two-barrel injection molding machine includes two injection molding tools. Visteon's design of the molding tools and how the two shots work together is a key element of this process. The joint line (color break line) between the two tones is a clean-styled separation of the colors that does not bleed. Robotic stitching delivers quality, craftsmanship Visteon's Stitched VLIM is a robotically stitched 3-dimensional tri-laminate skin that delivers a soft touch instrument panel. This industry-first robotic stitching process eliminates the need for manual cut-and-sew, adhesion and hand wrapping. A real stitch is robotically sewn over a formed "replicated seam" with precision accuracy, allowing color contrast between the thread and material. "Stitching is often used as a visual cue for perceived quality, giving the perception of a hand-crafted interior," said Gohl. Both of these technologies offer considerable cost savings, improved quality and a high level of craftsmanship. "This is a great testament to our automotive intellect," concluded Gohl. Visteon Corporation is a leading global automotive supplier that designs, engineers and manufactures innovative climate, interior, electronic and lighting products for vehicle manufacturers, and also provides a range of products and services to aftermarket customers. With corporate offices in Van Buren Township, Mich. (U.S.); Shanghai, China; and Kerpen, Germany; the company has facilities in 26 countries and employs approximately 38,500 people. Visteon news releases, photographs and product specification details are available at http://www.visteon.com/ http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001201/DEF008LOGO DATASOURCE: Visteon Corporation CONTACT: Melissa Andrade, of Visteon Corporation, +1-734-710-5546, Web site: http://www.visteon.com/

Copyright