Tenneco Introduces New Adaptive Damping Technology On The Ford Focus RS High Performance Road Car
Ford Motor Company chooses Tenneco’s Dual Mode system to deliver drivers the choice between sport and track suspensions
Frankfurt, Germany, September 16, 2015 – Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) announced today at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show that Ford has selected the company’s Dual Mode technology for its 2016 Ford Focus RS.
Dual Mode, part of the Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio, uses an intelligent valve in the shock absorber that opens or closes to provide firmer damping for increased road holding when desired. The driver can switch between standard or sport settings via a dashboard button depending on ride preference or driving situation. In addition to enhancing driving pleasure, Dual Mode provides an increased feeling of security in the sport setting under challenging road or driving conditions.
“We are delighted that Ford has chosen to debut our Dual Mode suspension on its first-ever RS model equipped with selectable drive modes,” said Sandro Paparelli, vice president and general manager, Tenneco Europe Ride Performance. “We are particularly proud to participate in the development of the Focus RS suspension as the exciting RS range is known for setting technology trends.”
Dual Mode offers an enhanced ride experience at minimal system cost, making dynamic suspension systems accessible to the small and mid-sized vehicle segment. “Ford’s passion for innovation and its reputation for migrating advanced technologies to mainstream vehicles should help drive dynamic suspension into wider market segments as drivers increasingly desire more driving excitement and control,” Paparelli added.
Tenneco’s Dual Mode technology will be installed on the front and rear dampers of the Focus RS, production of which is expected to start in late 2015. The high performance road car will be produced in Europe and be available worldwide.
Ford is the first of two global vehicle manufacturers who have chosen Tenneco’s Dual Mode suspension.
Tenneco is displaying these and other ride performance technologies at its exhibit during the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, September 15-27, Hall 5.1, Stand A20.
About Monroe® Intelligent Suspension:
Dual Mode is part of the Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio. This includes adaptive suspension solutions for compact cars (Dual Mode) and semi-active solutions with external valve (CVSAe), internal valve (CVSAi) and two independent valves (CVSA2) for mid-range and higher-end cars. The portfolio also includes CVSA2/Kinetic and ACOCAR active suspension solutions for premium luxury cars, high-end sports cars and SUVs with off-road capability. Visit http://www.tenneco.com/original_equipment/ride_control/technology/advanced_damper/ for more information.
About Tenneco:
Tenneco is an $8.4 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 29,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive, commercial truck, and off-highway original equipment markets, and the aftermarket. Tenneco’s principal brand names are Monroe®, Walker®, XNOx™ and Clevite®Elastomer.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “expects,” "will", "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the company (including its subsidiaries). Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, the company's plans, actions and actual results could differ materially. Among the factors that could cause these plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: (i) changes in automotive or commercial vehicle manufacturers' production rates and their actual and forecasted requirements for the company's products, including the company's resultant inability to realize the sales represented by its awarded book of business; (ii) any change in customer demand or any other changes in consumer demand and prices, including decreases in demand for automobiles or commercial vehicles which include the company's products, and the potential negative impact on the company's revenues and margins from such products; (iii) the general political, economic and competitive conditions in markets where the company and its subsidiaries operate; (iv) workforce factors such as strikes or labor interruptions; (v) material substitutions and increases in the costs of raw materials; and (vi) the company's ability to develop and profitably commercialize new products and technologies, and the acceptance of such new products and technologies by the company's customers. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release. Additional information regarding risk factors and uncertainties is detailed from time to time in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Contacts:
Margie Pazikas
32 2 706 9025
mpazikas@tenneco.com
Simonetta Esposito
32 476 22 33 75
sesposito@tenneco.com