Webasto brings unique project from inception to Job 1 production in just 70
weeks
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Like the speed of the
car itself, the soon-to-be-released 2009 Ford Mustang was the inspiration
for a fast-developed new glass roof option that maximizes automotive
consumers' growing desire for more natural light.
America's favorite muscle car, the Ford Mustang, will make its 2009,
45th- anniversary public debut at the North American International Auto
Show with an unique alternative developed by Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. --
a factory-installed fixed glass roof.
The new roof will be an option available on both the Mustang GT and the
V-6 Mustang beginning in the summer. It provides consumers a third roof
option -- one that's less expensive than a convertible, yet still lets in
natural light without compromising the coupe's head room or versatility.
"We believe this project truly speaks well to Webasto's ability to
deliver complex engineering capabilities in a very short time frame while
still meeting our customers' strong engineering demands for their product's
safety, durability, and styling," said Andreas Weller, Vice President
Business Development at Webasto. "It was a remarkable achievement that,
along with Ford, we brought this program from concept to 'parts on the
road' in just 70 weeks -- about half the time normally taken on an
automotive project of this complexity.
"Such success started with our close working relationship with Ford
Motor Company but it also reflects Webasto's competence and level of
expertise and know-how in designing, engineering and proving out large,
high-quality and innovative roof systems."
The assembly process for the fixed glass roof option vehicles includes
a full, invisible interface with the body shop at Automotive Alliance
International's Flat Rock, Mich. plant which assembles the Ford Mustang.
"While we produce and deliver several fixed transparent module roofs
(FTM's) in Europe and Asia, this is the first fixed module in the United
States market," Weller added.
Components are produced and shipped to Flat Rock from two different
Webasto locations, in Livonia, Mich. and Rochester Hills, Mich.
"What really brought this project together between Ford and Webasto was
our ability to fully integrate the glass roof with the Mustang's structure
-- to provide a design that did not cause any compromise to any structural
rigidity of the vehicle, while still offering a very unique option for the
end consumer," Weller said.
Consumers' Changing Tastes:
Market research shows that more and more consumers prefer the full view
and feel of expanded roof systems that let in more natural light -- which
is a specialty of Webasto. As seen in the new Mustang, designs are trending
towards sleeker, more aerodynamic and more dramatic body styles. Innovative
roof systems like the Ford Mustang fixed glass roof provide a feeling of
openness with lots of light while maintaining a strong structural roof that
passed the full battery of compliance testing.
The roof is made of tinted privacy glass that protects interior
materials from solar radiation discoloration or deterioration, while also
maintaining interior quietness. A manual roller blind is built in to allow
drivers and passengers to further control exposure on the sunniest of days.
"We know first hand from our global reach and experience that
traditional roof systems are being replaced in many markets by more
innovative options," said Weller. "Consumers are demanding new features on
their vehicles every year -- and the roof area was about the only remaining
place left on vehicles to incorporate truly innovative and attractive
design cues. Webasto has used its decades of expertise to pioneer roof
systems that are functional, attractive and versatile."
Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. is a subsidiary of Webasto AG, one of the
world's largest suppliers of roof systems and thermosystems to the
automotive industry. The 106-year-old company is based in Stockdorf,
Germany, and employs more than 6,000 people in over 40 countries. For
additional information, please visit http://www.webasto.com.
SOURCE Webasto Roof Systems, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.webasto.com
CONTACT:
Andreas S. Weller, Webasto Roof Systems,
Inc., +1-248-997-5273
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