DETROIT, March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- At Siemens VDO Automotive, the
color of fractional horsepower electric motors is green. In fact, Siemens VDO
Automotive has been manufacturing environmentally friendly electric motors by
actively pursuing the removal and restriction of hazardous component materials
for several years. This initiative parallels today's 2003 Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress discussions on the automotive
industry's commitment to environmental compatibility -- Sustainable
Development.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030304/SVDOALOGO )
Currently, four main hazardous materials and elements are being targeted
by the industry for removal -- hexavalent chromium (Cr4), cadmium, lead and
mercury.
Siemens VDO Automotive engineers were able to remove the hexavalent
chromium from motor ball bearings, while maintaining performance levels,
meeting the European legislation directive that regulates its use. This is
the most recent company initiative to remove hazardous material from its
motors.
"All of our engine cooling motor brushes have been lead-free for several
years now," said Siemens VDO Automotive Motor Development Manager Andrew
Lakerdas. "We have worked with our suppliers and have developed brushes that
provide excellent performance and durability without lead content."
Lakerdas states eliminating the utilization of this controlled material
involved considerable effort and thorough validation by Siemens VDO
Automotive.
"This material innovation has been favorably accepted by customers," said
Lakerdas.
In an effort to stay informed and help guide initiatives on controlling
hazardous materials use in the automotive industry, the company registered and
began participating in the International Material Data System (IMDS) last
year. This European system is designed to archive materials used by carmakers
and suppliers and is organized as an association of Original Equipment
Manufacturers. In addition, Siemens VDO Automotive also is working with its
suppliers to identify materials, particularly those which have been cited as
environmentally hazardous.
"We are working on removing not only lead, but all hazardous materials in
our motors and are certainly on pace with -- or ahead of -- industry and
government requirements," said Lakerdas. "While some fractional horsepower
motor manufactures are starting to promote the environmental-friendliness of
their products, Siemens VDO Automotive has been voluntarily involved with this
activity for quite some time."
Siemens VDO Automotive is a tier-one supplier of automotive
electronic/electrical systems and components with applications covering
gasoline and diesel powertrain technologies, safety and chassis systems, body
electronics, plus interior products including infotainment systems. Worldwide
sales reflecting fiscal year 2001/2002 totaled $8.5 billion. For more
information: http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com .
Siemens AG (NYSE: SI), headquartered in Munich, is a leading global
electronics and engineering company. It employs 426,000 people in 192
countries and reported worldwide sales of $77.8 billion in fiscal 2002
(10/1/01 - 9/30/02). The United States is Siemens' largest market in the
world, with sales of $21.5 billion in fiscal 2002 and approximately 70,000
employees in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Corporate headquarters for
Siemens' U.S. businesses are located in New York City. For more information:
http://www.usa.siemens.com .
SOURCE Siemens VDO Automotive
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Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030304/SVDOALOGO
PRN Photo Desk, +1-888-776-6555 or +1-212-782-2840
Related links:
http://www.usa.siemensvdo.com
CONTACT:
David Ladd of Siemens VDO Automotive,
+1-248-209-5822, david.ladd@siemens.com
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