HBPO a major supplier of modular front-end systems, is showcasing front-end modules focused on innovation and cost savings at this year's North American International Auto Show.
The company, which is exhibiting with HELLA and BHTC at Automobili-D, will be showing an expanded-view front-end module and a stripped down "technical" module, as well as several active grille shutters.
"Our exhibit will demonstrate how innovation and research can benefit our customers in areas such as lightweighting, component integration, aerodynamics and CO2 reduction," said Diana Mannino, president of HBPO North America. "Our approach to front-end module development is designed to help our customers reduce vehicle weight, while significantly cutting back part counts, complexity and costs."
Mannino noted that, despite the automotive industry's more than 100-year history, technology innovation from companies such as HBPO still can produce significant improvements.
In the area of aerodynamics and CO2 reduction, for example, HBPO is showing three different active grille shutters to demonstrate how tailor-made solutions can improve a vehicle's drag coefficient with a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. The shutters are being shown in a traditional horizontal orientation, as well as in a vertical application.
Parts consolidation through functional integration also can reduce module complexity, which improves quality. "By using intelligent design to integrate several functions into one component, we can gain significant advantages in terms of adding functionality, while saving weight and cost," Mannino added.
She also noted that the company will add two new plants to support North American customers with "just in sequence" production in 2018. The new facilities will be located in Aguascalientes and Saltillo, Mexico.
HBPO's 2018 exhibit at AutoMobili-D marks the company's first experience at the NAIAS. The company is presenting at the show with Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC), a world leader in air conditioning controls for the automotive industry. BHTC is a joint venture of MAHLE Behr GmbH & Co. KG and Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. The company will be in AutoMobili-D during press and supplier preview days, January 14-18, and for public viewing through January 21.