HBPO Shows Cost-Saving Front-End Modules At Automobili-D

TROY, Mich., Jan. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- HBPO, the auto industry's leading supplier of modular front-end systems, is showcasing front-end modules focused on innovation and cost savings at this year's North American International Auto Show.

The company, which is exhibiting with HELLA and BHTC at Automobili-D (Booth AD08), will be showing an expanded-view front-end module and a stripped down "technical" module, as well as several active grille shutters.

"Our exhibit will demonstrate how innovation and research can benefit our customers in areas such as lightweighting, component integration, aerodynamics and CO₂ reduction," said Diana Mannino, president of HBPO North America. "Our approach to front-end module development is designed to help our customers reduce vehicle weight, while significantly cutting back part counts, complexity and costs."

Mannino noted that, despite the automotive industry's more than 100-year history, technology innovation from companies such as HBPO still can produce significant improvements.

In the area of aerodynamics and CO₂ reduction, for example, HBPO is showing three different active grille shutters to demonstrate how tailor-made solutions can improve a vehicle's drag coefficient with a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions. The shutters are being shown in a traditional horizontal orientation, as well as in a vertical application.

Parts consolidation through functional integration also can reduce module complexity, which improves quality. "By using intelligent design to integrate several functions into one component, we can gain significant advantages in terms of adding functionality, while saving weight and cost," Mannino added.

She also noted that the company will add two new plants to support North American customers with "just in sequence" production in 2018. The new facilities will be located in Aguascalientes and Saltillo, Mexico. 

HBPO's 2018 exhibit at AutoMobili-D marks the company's first experience at the NAIAS. The company is presenting at the show with Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC), a world leader in air conditioning controls for the automotive industry. BHTC is a joint venture of MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG and Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. The company will be in AutoMobili-D during press and supplier preview days, Jan. 14-18, and for public viewing through Jan. 21.

About HBPO GmbH:

HBPO GmbH, Lippstadt: HBPO is the only company in the world that specializes in the design, development, assembly and logistics for complex front-end modules.  A global market leader for front-end modules, the company reported sales in 2016 of 1.8 billion euros. HBPO has more than 2,000 employees worldwide annually producing more than 5.3 million front-end modules per year at 25 JIS (just-in-sequence) manufacturing facilities and eight development sites in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

Founded as a partnership between HELLA and Behr in 1999, the company's name changed to HBPO when Plastic Omnium joined the partnership in 2004. The company also has joint venture programs in Korea and Malaysia.

HBPO's global customer portfolio of automotive brands includes Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat,  Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Proton, Renault, SEAT, Skoda, SsangYong and Volkswagen. Additional information is available online at www.hbpogroup.com.

Note to Editors:  High-resolution photography is available on request.

SOURCE HBPO

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