IAC Enhances Door Panel Safety Features With Side Impact Structure

DEARBORN, Mich. (March 19, 2008) - International Automotive Components North America, Inc. (IAC) has debuted the Energy Absorption (EA) molded structure on the new 2008 Nissan Altima coupe.

The patent pending technology behind the door panels uses a plastic reinforcement support bracket system to help absorb and dissipate energy and force, helping to protect occupants in a side- impact collision.

IAC's new low-cost side impact bracket is lighter weight than the traditional foam solution and is easier to tune for safety optimization.

The door panel support system is made of high crystalline polypropylene (HCPP), dissipating energy more efficiently and predictably than previous structures. This system improves upon previous solutions in that energy from an impact can be directed to exact locations to evenly distribute the force of impact felt by occupants inside the vehicle in a side-impact collision in order to help minimize injury. IAC’s system is customized to the door panel application and redirects energy to pre-defined zones.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE COMPONENTS GROUP

International Automotive Components Group is a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, including interior and exterior trim and structural and functional applications.  IAC’s annual global revenue exceeds $5.5 billion. International Automotive Components Group operates manufacturing facilities in 16 countries with more than 28,000 employees.