Innovation Honored: SPE reveals 2005 award winners

摘要

The Society of Plastic Engineers is a decidedly international organization, with 20,000 plastics engineers in 70 countries. This year's 35th Annual Automotive Innovation Awards reflect that global presence, as European, Asian and U.S.-based auto makers share in the top honors. Judges at this year's competition include members of the media (including Word's) and academia, plastics analysts and retired auto industry executives. Here are the 2005 winners: Safety: A European-focused technology snagged top honors. The '04 Volkswagen Golf's pedestrian-protection system features a textile reinforced glass-mat-thermoplastic (GMT) composite beam that fulfills the European Union's new pedestrian-safety standards. The beam offers a 30% weight savings and 50% material cost savings vs. steel. AKSYS GmbH is the supplier.