Haartz and Collins & Aikman Develop Enhanced Convertible Roof Fabric Top Cover For 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, Further Reducing Interior Noise
16 August 2000
Haartz and Collins & Aikman Develop Enhanced Convertible Roof Fabric Top Cover For 2001 Chevrolet Corvette, Further Reducing Interior Noise
DETROIT - So how do you improve on a world-class product? You make it even
better.
To provide drivers with an even quieter vehicle interior, The Haartz Corp.
and Collins & Aikman's Dura Convertible Systems have further raised the bar by
developing an enhanced convertible top cover for General Motors Corp.'s 2001
Chevrolet Corvette -- the newest version of the car voted best engineered car
of the 20th Century by SAE. The new top cover fabric is one of the
significant factors in decreasing noise an additional 3.1 decibels compared to
the predecessor material.
According to Reed White, president, Collins & Aikman's Dura Convertible
Systems, "Collins & Aikman is recognized as the No. 1 supplier of convertible
roof systems for vehicles in North America. Having the opportunity to partner
with Haartz to develop an even better product demonstrates our commitment to
continually strive for higher quality solutions for our customers."
Haartz, the world's leader in convertible fabric for nearly 100 years,
developed a multiple-ply composite, called "Twillfast(TM) MC," to create the
improved cloth convertible top cover. Haartz supplies rolls of the material
to Collins & Aikman's Dura Convertible Systems, which manufactures the
complete convertible roof system.
"As a proud partner with Collins & Aikman's Dura Convertible Systems and
the General Motors Corvette team, Haartz has helped take an already world-
class product to the next level," said John M. Capron, Haartz vice president,
sales and marketing - exteriors. "The significant improvements that we've
achieved for the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette and similar programs are a testimony
to our research and development efforts. We continue to explore new materials
that will meet, and even exceed, the ever-changing requirements for car and
sport utility vehicle roof systems."
"As a leading acoustic integrator, we recognize the importance of reducing
interior noise," said Thomas E. Evans, chairman and CEO of Collins & Aikman.
"This enhanced roof system is testimony of Collins & Aikman's commitment to
develop new processes and products to enhance our overall breadth of
technological capabilities offerings to our customers."
According to Capron, the average 3.1 decibel reduction in interior noise
-- validated in both laboratory and field testing -- is a significant
reduction in the intensity of noise within the vehicle over the entire range
of frequencies encountered during normal driving conditions.
Collins & Aikman Corp. is a global manufacturer of floor and
acoustic systems and a leading supplier of automotive fabric, interior trim,
and convertible top systems. The company's operations span the globe with 63
facilities and nearly 16,000 employees in 12 countries who are committed to
achieving total excellence. Collins & Aikman's high-quality products combine
industry-leading design and styling capabilities, superior manufacturing
capabilities and the industry's most effective NVH "quiet" technologies.
The Haartz Corp. -- a leading manufacturer of engineered-coated materials
for the U.S. and European markets -- has its corporate and manufacturing
headquarters, and a research and development center in Acton, Mass., as well
as sales offices around the world, including an automotive sales office in
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. The company supplies sport utility vehicle and
convertible topping fabrics, and moldable automotive interior trim materials
worldwide. One of the top 100 global automotive interior suppliers, Haartz
has served the auto industry since 1907.
