Cooper-Standard Automotive Innovation and BASF's Luran® S ASA Reduce Cost, Weight, and Product/Assembly Complexity of Ford Mustang Glass Run and Retainer Door Module

Novi, Mich., September 14, 2006 - Cooper-Standard Automotive, Novi, MI, has developed an innovative design solution for the glass run and retainer module in Ford Mustang coupe and convertible models by replacing metal traditionally used to produce this door component with Luran S acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA) from BASF, Florham Park, NJ.

The module is critical to guiding the moving glass in side doors, providing quiet insulation from wind and road noise, retaining the assembly firmly to the door structure and providing a stable attractive appearance in harmony with the exterior trim scheme.

By using Luran S ASA - a highly engineered polymer known for its fade resistance and toughness - Cooper-Standard engineers reduced the cost, complexity and weight in the finished component; introduced an integrated, hidden water management system; and improved part appearance since seams and joint lines are eliminated.

According to Len Marshick, Manager of Advanced Product Design for Cooper-Standard Automotive, the traditional construction of a glass run and retainer component involves multiple parts and secondary steps. A typical assembly consists of two separate metal parts that are stamped, roll formed and stretch bent, and then screwed together. After the metal parts are primed and painted, they are screwed and welded onto the doorframe. Two separate plastic parts used to improve the edge appearance are then screwed onto the metal parts. Finally, the component is capped with separate, molded appliqués to achieve the desired color.

"The thermoplastic glass run and retainer component incorporates a continuous, Class A exterior molding along the top and rear edges of the movable side glass area, and eliminates the need for body-color appliqués," said Marshick. "It also improves the flushness of the movable glass to the outer-body surfaces, and delivers excellent wind and road noise reduction."

Marshick said the streamlined design also enables Ford to achieve a more efficient assembly process. "The thermoplastic glass run and retainer component is delivered to an automated welding station, where they are sonically welded and inspected by a robot using molded-in weld locators. This design and assembly process substantially reduces the secondary operations that are needed for traditional, multi-piece metal and plastic assemblies," he said.

"Cooper-Standard Automotive is driving innovation in its market segments and proactively engaging suppliers that can help us deliver," said Marshick. "In this application, BASF is clearly such a supplier."

"BASF worked closely with Cooper-Standard Automotive's engineering teams to ensure that the color, gloss and texture of the part met Ford's strict requirements," said Vineet Kapila, Automotive Market Development Manager for BASF's Specialty Polymers business in North America. "The toughness, weatherability and heat resistance of Luran S 778T, the ASA grade selected for this application, met Cooper-Standard Automotive's requirements for a process-stable material that could help control warping in this long, narrow part. The part geometry also required a high-flow material to achieve the right balance of properties, which is a key attribute of Luran S 778T ASA."

"With its superior weatherability and color stability performance, Luran S 778T ASA eliminated the need for painting or coating, while delivering the necessary surface quality required for this component," Kapila continued. "The resin was also capable of meeting the requirements of a fast sonic-welding process."

Luran S ASA is a part of BASF's PlasticsPlus™ portfolio of specialty plastics that include high-performance styrenics, biodegradable materials and foams supported by attributes in diversity, reliability, partnership and innovation.


About Cooper-Standard Automotive
Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc., headquartered in Novi, Mich., is a leading global automotive supplier specializing in the manufacture and marketing of systems and components for the automotive industry. Products include body sealing systems, fluid handling systems, and NVH control systems. Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. employs approximately 19,000 people globally with more than 70 facilities throughout the world. For more information, visit the company's Web site at: www.cooperstandard.com.

Cooper-Standard is a privately-held portfolio company of The Cypress Group and Goldman Sachs Capital Partners Funds.

The Cypress Group is a private equity investment firm managing more than $3.5 billion of capital. Cypress has an extensive track record of making growth-oriented investments in targeted industry sectors and building equity value alongside proven management teams.

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is one of the oldest and largest investment banking firms. Goldman Sachs is also a global leader in private corporate equity and mezzanine investing. Established in 1991, the GS Capital Partners Funds are part of the firm's Principal Investment Area in the Merchant Banking Division. Since 1986, Goldman Sachs' Principal Investment Area has formed 13 investment vehicles aggregating $56 billion of capital to date.