Innovations for living - Owens Corning - #9

The global automotive market is one of our primary strategic priorities for growth with a goal to be the leading provider of unique structural, acoustic and thermal composite solutions to meet the industry's needs for cost reduction, improved performance, weight reduction and the trend toward niche vehicles.

• Key strengths in application development, program

management and a long heritage of strong technical capabilities. ^ Four targeted areas for growth -

- Structures, such as end gates and mid gates; pickup beds; leaf springs, front-end and door modules; instrument panels and running boards.

- Closures, such as tailgates, deck lids and hoods.

- Interior acoustic systems, including headliners, acoustic absorbers, flat-panel speakers, parcel shelves, door trim, hood and firewall liners and sunshades.

- Exterior acoustic systems, such as mufflers, Silentex™ sound-reducing systems, and underbody and noise shields.

The OC™ Preformable System combines a proprietary glass fiber with unique binder technology to more efficiently manufacture reinforcement preforms. Composite truck boxes are rust-free, scratch and dent resistant, and lighter weight than the traditional steel box.

Made by StaMax BV an Owens Corning joint venture, StaMax® P long glass fiber polypropylene thermoplastic replaces existing materials, provides lower system costs, integrated functions and reduced weight. StaMax P was chosen for the 2002 BMW Mini Cooper front-end module and the 2002 European Ford Fiesta integrated door module.

Owens Corning Silentex Noise Control System for filling auto mufflers is specified for high performance and high productivity on several models of more than 7.5 million vehicles worldwide by all the leading auto manufacturers.