MSC.Software Corp. (NYSE:MNS), Santa Ana, Calif., a global provider
of virtual product development (VPD) products including simulation
software and services, has announced that a leading European developer
and producer of sensing products, IEE Luxembourg has invested in
MSC.Software's SimDesigner products and CATIA V5 to develop an
integrated bumper contact safety system, based on force sensing resistor
(FSR(R)) technology, to meet new European pedestrian safety standards.
"Our SimDesigner product line is specifically developed to
help CATIA designers and engineers perform analysis of important
performance attributes early in the design process. We are starting to
see some exciting pipeline growth within the SimDesigner product line
thanks both to our direct sales force and to our agents and
resellers," said Frank Perna, chairman and chief executive officer
of MSC.Software. "We are truly living in a remarkable time when
automotive systems can be smart enough to recognize pedestrian-related
accidents and change the physical characteristics of the car to decrease
the potential for serious injury. These types of systems are only
possible thanks to virtual product development and the combination and
correlation of simulation and physical testing."
"With the MSC.Software products and CATIA V5, it will be
easier and faster for us to develop and produce products, which will
help to increase pedestrian safety and to meet the European
requirements. As CATIA V5 is now our native CAD tool, we needed
integrated simulation tools, such as the SimDesigner product family, to
help our designers and engineers make the right decisions early in the
development process," said Paul Schockmel, IEE. "We are very
satisfied with what we have accomplished with the tools and the services
provided by MSC.Software and plan to extend our use of the MSC.Software
products within the next year."
Based upon new European automotive pedestrian safety directives
starting in 2005, new vehicles must comply with tests regarding
pedestrian protection against head and leg injuries. Automotive
manufacturers and suppliers are working to develop active and passive
pedestrian protection systems, which are vehicle systems and parts that
provide more safety for pedestrians in case of an accident. These
measures include deformation materials in the bonnet area and front-end
structure, "pedestrian friendly" front geometries or even
outside airbags to protect pedestrians.
By modifying the design of a vehicle's front-end structure,
most of the kinetic energy in an accident between pedestrian and vehicle
can be absorbed by the car instead of the person. The active protection
systems developed by IEE with MSC.Software products consist of impact
detection sensors in the front bumper that control the bumper and move
it in the event of a pedestrian-bumper interaction. If an impact is
detected, the bumper is lifted a small amount offering a flexible impact
zone, and decreasing the risk of serious injury to pedestrians.
About IEE
IEE (International Electronics & Engineering S.A.), founded in
1989, is headquartered in Luxembourg, Europe, and entered the automotive
market in 1993. Sensing products by IEE include Passenger Presence
Detection (PPD), Child Seat Presence and Orientation Detection (CPOD)
and Occupant Classification system (OC(R)).The company's customer
list includes: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Citroen, Fiat, Ford,
Holden, Hyundai, Kia, Lancia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz,
Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Toyota,
Vauxhall and Volvo. IEE has more than 675 employees and operates two
manufacturing sites as well as a technical center in Luxembourg. In
addition, IEE has R&D facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan (USA) and
Seoul (South Korea). For more information, visit http://www.iee.lu.
About MSC.Software Corporation
MSC.Software (NYSE:MNS) is a global provider of virtual product
development products, including simulation software and services, that
helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with
designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with
thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better
products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services
and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1400 people in 23 countries.
For more information, visit http://www.mscsoftware.com or call
714/445-3066.
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