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| New multi purpose tailgate module from Webasto and ThyssenKrupp Steel |
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Stockdorf/Munich – Good news for all car drivers who don’t just want to be mobile on four wheels! In a joint project, ThyssenKrupp Steel and Webasto have developed a concept for a multi purpose tailgate module called the MPT which offers many new features. A particular highlight is the tailgate-integrated bicycle rack, which allows for a bike or snowboard to be secured to the car in the blink of an eye. A separate rack and the awkward mounting involved in securing it to the vehicle are no longer necessary. One of the first fruits of the collaboration between ThyssenKrupp Steel and Webasto is the high level of comfort and functionality displayed by the MPT. Franz-Josef Kortüm, Chairman of the Board at Webasto: ‘Both Webasto and ThyssenKrupp Steel will benefit equally from this partnership. The companies complement each other perfectly. ThyssenKrupp Steel contributes its expertise in materials, light engineering and metal forming and Webasto its comprehensive know-how in the area of vehicle roof and body systems. Such collaboration opens up new product fields such as tailgate development and production. The multi purpose tailgate is an excellent example here. I am convinced that we can expect many more great products in the future that will offer the customer genuine added value and which car manufacturers will be delighted to use’.
The modular design of the new tailgate offers a wide and attractive range of additional features which include a rear window that can be opened separately, an integrated rack system and automatic opening of the tailgate with or without a key. In addition, developers at Webasto and ThyssenKrupp Steel are now working to create a tailgate that can be automatically opened when the car is loaded.
The integrated bicycle rack on the MPT can be used not only for two bikes or snowboards but also for an additional cargo box. It is made of steel profiles and is attached to the lower part of the tailgate where it is not visible from outside the vehicle. This part of the tailgate can be folded down exposing the rack which is ready for use at the turn of a hand. This allows for quick, easy and convenient loading and unloading at an ergonomically-favourable height.
The concept created by the development team is a modular one. Car manufacturers can take a tailgate suitable for upgrade to MPT and integrate it into their normal production line without any change to the body shell. The tailgate can then be easily modified in line with customer wishes. This basic model is no more expensive than the current standard tailgate. It’s design is modular and such that it can easily be upgraded to an MPT during the body shell phase and at a very low additional cost. Manufacturers who wish to offer their customer these new features as special equipment will benefit from a two-year head-start.
The close collaboration between ThyssenKrupp Steel and Webasto has led to the registration of numerous patents. The drives and systems required for the automatic tailgate opening are already available. Given the use these days of high-quality steel, it is possible to keep to an absolute minimum the unavoidable increase in weight of the optional version compared with the basic tailgate.
In addition to the innovative concept of the multi purpose tailgate, the results of a survey of end-customers carried out by Webasto AG should attract the attention of OEs: A large majority of car drivers surveyed stated that they would like to have the additional features offered by the MPT.
Naturally, economic analyses and production scenarios are part of the overall package with which ThyssenKrupp Steel and Webasto are now approaching the car manufacturers. One very important manufacturer has already signalled great interest in the project. ThyssenKrupp Steel and Webasto are exhibiting a prototype based on the tailgate of a vehicle currently in series production at the IAA in Frankfurt/Main in Hall 8.0, Stand E16.
Contact:
Webasto AG
Susanne Reich
Tel: +49 (89) 8 57 94 -526
mailto: SReich@webasto.de
Webasto - background information
International supplier to the automotive industry, based in 56 locations worldwide.
Core expertise:
- Development and manufacture of complete roof modules, sunroofs and convertible roof systems.
- Heating systems for cars (parking and supplementary heaters).
- Heating, cooling and ventilation systems for trucks, campers and boats.
Headquarters in Stockdorf near Munich:
Founded 1901 in Esslingen by Wilhelm Baier. Company headquarters in Stockdorf since 1908.
Financial data 2006:
Turnover: € 1.6 bn with a staff of over 6,000 worldwide. |
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