Streamlined subsystem engineering produces below-the-surface performance
benefits including optimized crashworthiness, side impact protection
TROY, Mich., March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, an automotive
supplier is offering a product that brings together components of five highly
technical vehicle subsystems into one convenient package to help save space,
reduce mass, improve warranty and lower costs by up to an estimated 15 percent
for vehicle manufacturers.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO )
Delphi's Steel Hybrid Cross-car Beam integrates the cross-car structure,
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) ducting and case support,
airbag system, steering column and electrical component supports into one beam
made of steel overmolded with plastic. The product is able to reduce overall
part count while maintaining serviceability and integrity of the vehicle
steering column support, HVAC, electrical, center stack and energy-absorbing
components.
"Only a supplier such as Delphi, with a depth of engineering expertise in
every vehicle subsystem, could develop and manufacture this product," said Lon
Offenbacher, global business line executive, cockpits and integrated closure
systems, Delphi Thermal & Interior. "We were able to develop, prototype, test
and manufacture the Steel Hybrid Cross-car Beam completely in-house. It is
on-the-shelf technology we are offering to our customers and we're confident
they will see its clear value proposition."
The process begins with Delphi's proprietary welding technologies
resulting in an engineered steel structural member which then undergoes an
overmolding process. Rather than using separate brackets for attaching
subsystem components, attachment features and functional components are molded
directly into the design of the beam.
This integrated design offers a cost savings to the vehicle manufacturer
while offering enhanced dimensional stability, reduced component part count
and assembly labor, and reduced mass as compared to a traditional design
configuration. Additional subsystem efficiencies are gained from the
integration, such as better performance in squeak and rattle as well as a
reduction in the number of possible HVAC leak paths.
Engineering all of the individual subsystems into one part results in up
to 50 millimeters of additional space in an area of the vehicle where real
estate is at a premium. Crashworthiness and side impact protection are
optimized because the beam passes straight through the HVAC module rather than
bypassing it. The beam design helps assure cross-car structural performance,
a major contributor to achieving five-star side impact ratings.
"Delphi's capabilities in crossing subsystem boundaries is what led to
this truly integrated product offering. It brings forth a new way of thinking
about how the industry designs and develops the vehicle systems that come
together in a cockpit module," said Offenbacher.
Delphi's Steel Hybrid Cross-car Beam is production ready and targeted for
the 2009 model year.
At Delphi, we help make cars safer, cleaner, more efficient, and fun to
drive. For more information about Delphi Corp. (Pink Sheets: DPHIQ), visit
http://www.delphi.com .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release, as well as other statements made by Delphi may contain
forward-looking statements within the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that reflect, when made, the
Company's current views with respect to current events and financial
performance. Such forward-looking statements are and will be, as the case may
be, subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to the Company's
operations and business environment which may cause the actual results of the
Company to be materially different from any future results, express or
implied, by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include,
but are not limited to, the following: the ability of the Company to continue
as a going concern; the ability of the Company to operate pursuant to the
terms of the debtor-in-possession ("DIP") facility; the Company's ability to
obtain court approval with respect to motions in the chapter 11 proceeding
prosecuted by it from time to time; the ability of the Company to develop,
prosecute, confirm and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with
respect to the chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third parties seeking
and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period
for the Company to propose and confirm one or more plans of reorganization,
for the appointment of a chapter 11 trustee or to convert the cases to chapter
7 cases; the ability of the Company to obtain and maintain normal terms with
vendors and service providers; the Company's ability to maintain contracts
that are critical to its operations; the potential adverse impact of the
chapter 11 cases on the Company's liquidity or results of operations; the
ability of the Company to fund and execute its business plan; the ability of
the Company to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates;
and the ability of the Company to attract and retain customers. Other risk
factors are listed from time to time in the Company's United States Securities
and Exchange Commission reports, including, but not limited to the Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 and its most recent
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 and
current reports on Form 8-K. Delphi disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events and/or otherwise.
Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any
reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of the
Company's various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and/or other equity
securities. Additionally, no assurance can be given as to what values, if
any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these
constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of Delphi's
common stock receiving no distribution on account of their interest and
cancellation of their interests. As described in the Company's public
statements in response to the request submitted to the United States Trustee
for the appointment of a statutory equity committee, holders of Delphi's
common stock and other equity interests (such as options) should assume that
they will not receive value as part of a plan of reorganization. In addition,
under certain conditions specified in the Bankruptcy Code, a plan of
reorganization may be confirmed notwithstanding its rejection by an impaired
class of creditors or equity holders and notwithstanding the fact that equity
holders do not receive or retain property on account of their equity interests
under the plan. In light of the foregoing and as stated in its October 8,
2005 press release announcing the filing of its chapter 11 reorganization
cases, the Company considers the value of the common stock to be highly
speculative and cautions equity holders that the stock may ultimately be
determined to have no value. Accordingly, the Company urges that appropriate
caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in
Delphi's common stock or other equity interests or any claims relating to
pre-petition liabilities.
SOURCE Delphi Corporation
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Related links:
http://www.delphi.com/media
Photo Notes:
NewsCom:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020315/DEF002LOGO PRN Photo
Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/076666.html
CONTACT:
Barb Barkley of Delphi Corporation,
+1-716-439-2594, barbara.a.barkley@delphi.com
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