Lear Corp

Lear Corp.'s World Headquarters Technology Center in Southfield, Mich., provides a streamlined communication process with customers and suppliers, virtually putting the power of technology at their fingertips.

Lear's recent $40 million expansion at its Southfield campus was a symbol of the company s commitment to design, develop, engineer and validate the most advanced automotive interiors globally. This facility is the centerpiece of Lear's six-location global technology network, supporting other locations in Dearborn, Mich., Valls, Spain and Ebersberg, Kronach and Allershausen, Germany, that offer total system validation capabilities and state-of-the-art testing equipment and processes.

A wealth of information and services are available with a keystroke through Lear's Virtual Technology Division. Information about current division projects, participation in problem-solving "discussion boards" or obtaining multi-channel interactive video feeds in a secure environment are all available for customers accessing the technology division's Global Technology Network.

Lear's technology staff provides online access to many capabilities and services -- quickly, securely and with the latest information. Designers and engineers utilize this resource for industry innovations in all the interior systems: electronic and electrical distribution; flooring and acoustics; seating; overhead; door and trim; and instrument panels and cockpits.

The dialogue and exchange of ideas are a direct result of bringing Lear's customer-focused divisions together with engineering and design to ensure the success of Lear's customers' programs. This informational environment is further enhanced with shared databases and video links between the company's five other technology centers in the U.S. and Europe.

Specific capabilities at the tech center include acoustic modeling; a reverberation room; a hemi-anechoic chamber; chassis dynamometer; four-post road simulator and noise-quality evaluation lab. The center's safety-system validation processes include North America's only MIRA side impact system for crash simulation studies, testing of interior components for compliance with head impact protection standards, a static air bag deployment lab and dynamic computer simulation and modeling.

Lear's commitment to technology offers the ultimate in automotive system capabilities. Helping our customers achieve great success is the driving force behind the technology advancements led by Lear.

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