New Multi-panel Webasto Glass Vista Roof Helps Ford Flex Dare to be Different

Combination tilt-slide power moonroof and spectacular fixed glass panel in rear part of automotive industry trend to large, innovative roof systems

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., June 26 -- Ford expects the distinctive design of the new 2009 Ford Flex to provoke and polarize opinions -- from its signature side grooves and all-black greenhouse to its distinct Vista Roof, provided by leading global roof systems supplier Webasto. Already critically acclaimed, the Flex arrives in Ford dealerships this summer.

Available on Flex SEL and Flex Limited models as an option, the Vista Roof takes full advantage of the ample roof area to provide Flex with a distinctive new take on a growing design trend. Automotive designers are increasingly providing vehicles with large roof systems like the Vista Roofs of the Ford Flex and Edge (also supplied by Webasto). But in the Flex's case what appears to be a front moonroof and very large single glass rear panel from the outside is actually presented as four glass panels when viewed from the Flex's interior. Abundant natural light floods the occupants of all three rows of seats and fresh air can be admitted when the forward panel/ moonroof is opened by tilting or sliding.

The moonroof, which has one-touch open/close and anti-pinch functions, has a large 850 x 450 mm (33.5 x 17.7 in) opening. The rear glass panel is a huge 1250 x 980 mm (49.2 x 38.6 in).

"Automotive designs are trending towards more dramatic body styles and the Flex, with its exceptionally large roof, provided an ideal automotive 'canvas' on which to create a landmark design," said Andreas Weller, vice president business development, Webasto Roof Systems, Inc. "Webasto is the global leader not only in sunroofs but also in large, innovative roof systems such as Ford's Edge, the Lincoln MKX and the upcoming 2009 Ford Mustang with its glass roof."

Webasto is the supplier of a majority of large automotive roof systems worldwide, including roofs used in the Mercedes-Benz R-Class, E-Class and S-Class, smart, Audi A4 Wagon, BMW 6-series, Cadillac SRX, Cadillac CTS, Nissan Maxima and Murano, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, as well as the retractable hardtop systems of the VW Eos, Mazda MX-5 Miata and Volvo C70.

Power for the Vista Roof's tilt/slide function comes from Webasto's proprietary smart motor -- now in its fourth generation, integrating motor, controller, and sensors into one package eliminating inter-component wiring. "Something like a motor is often taken for granted but it's absolutely fundamental in defining what set's a Webasto moonroof apart from its competitors," said Weller. "The smart motor uses hall sensor technology for positioning and obstacle/pinch detection and controls glass position down to fractions of a millimeter. It can even adapt to changes in the roof due to aging and temperature, so maintaining smooth, stable operation under all circumstances."

The Flex Vista Roof is the result of extensive design and engineering efforts of Ford's and Webasto's engineers, not only in the aesthetics and function of the roof system but also in the manufacturing process to assure the quality and reliability for which Ford and Webasto are renowned. After piercing the two roof panel openings in the Ford-provided roof panel and adding reinforcement rings and brackets, Webasto's Livonia, Mich., stamping facility sends the Vista-ready roof directly to the Ford Oakville, Ont., assembly plant for integration into the normal body-in-white shop process. The moonroof -- supplied from Webasto's Rochester Hills, Mich., plant -- and outer glass panel, headlining and interior roller blind are installed as part of Ford's final assembly process.

About Webasto:

Webasto AG, headquartered in Stockdorf, near Munich, Germany, has been a family-run business ever since the company was founded in 1901. It has about 6,800 employees at 58 international locations and specializes in the Convertible, Roof & Body (CRB) and Global Comfort Solutions (GCS) business segments. With sales of around 1.8 billion euros (2007 business year) Webasto is one of the top 100 automotive suppliers worldwide. The company's core competencies include development and production of convertible, roof and body systems as well as heating, cooling and ventilation systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.