IAC honored as Automotive News PACE Finalist for Toyota Venza Panoramic Headliner

DEARBORN, Mich. (April 13, 2010) -  International Automotive Components (IAC) has received its first Finalist recognition for the Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers’ Contribution to Excellence) award. IAC was honored in the Manufacturing Process and Capital Equipment category for its design and manufacturing innovation on a two-step panoramic headliner for the 2009 Toyota Venza.

“We are honored to have been recognized among such an elite group of industry innovators,” said James Kamsickas, IAC’s president and CEO of North America and Asia. “Our close collaboration with Toyota to institute a design change for the headliner, as well as the process to build it, represents the true spirit of partnership.”

The new design and process achieved a common goal of optimizing the fit and finish of the headliner, while reducing the cost and complexities associated with building it, including automated manufacturing and weight reduction, when compared with traditional, labor-intensive headliners of that size.

The process solves a sunroof fit and finish and structural rigidity challenge caused by the proliferation of larger panoramic sunroofs – a growing trend in crossovers and luxury vehicles. IAC’s engineering team led this development effort with creativity and dedication to finding a better solution.

ABOUT THE AWARDS

The Automotive News PACE awards program honors suppliers who have embraced innovation or adapted and reinvented themselves to keep abreast of the constantly rising performance bar of the OEM/customer. The prestigious program sets the standard for innovation and excellence and has become a significant industry credential. The annual awards were presented during a ceremony at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit Monday evening.

ABOUT IAC

International Automotive Components (IAC) is a leading global supplier of automotive components and systems, including interior and exterior trim and structural and functional applications. IAC Group’s 2009 sales revenue was approximately $3.2 billion. The company’s North American sales were approximately $1.4 billion. IAC operates more than 80 manufacturing facilities in 17 countries and employs approximately 23,000 people around the world. For more information, visit www.iacgroup.com.