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 NoiseDETROIT - 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.