HBPO Displays Innovative Automotive Modules At This Year's AutoMobili-D

TROY, Mich., Jan. 14, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- HBPO, the auto industry's leading supplier of modular front-end systems will showcase cost-saving front-end modules, active grille shutters and a center-console module during AutoMobili-D at this year's North American International Auto Show.

Exhibiting with HELLA during AutoMobili-D (Booth AD08), the company will display a front-end module that highlights components from both Plastic Omnium and HELLA – HBPO's parent companies – as well as several active grille shutters and a center console.

"HBPO's exhibit demonstrates 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, part count through thoughtful integration, complexity and costs."

In the area of aerodynamics and CO₂ reduction, HBPO is showing eight different active grille shutters to demonstrate how tailor-made solutions can improve a vehicle's drag coefficient with significant reductions in CO₂ emissions. The shutters are being shown in traditional horizontal orientations, as well as in a vertical application.

HBPO also will have on display its first center-console module that further expands its product lineup beyond front-end modules and grille shutters. The console, designed and produced for the Audi Q5, follows the company's mantra to reduce weight, part count, complexity and cost.

Mannino also noted that the company will start production at a new plant to support North American customers with "just in sequence" production in 2019. The new facility is located in Saltillo, Mexico. 

HBPO's 2019 exhibit at AutoMobili-D marks the company's second NAIAS appearance. The company is presenting at the show with corporate parent HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co. The companies will be at AutoMobili-D during press and supplier preview days, Jan. 14-17.

About HBPO GmbH:

HBPO GmbH, Lippstadt: HBPO is the only company in the world to specialize in the design, development, assembly and logistics for complex front-end modules. HBPO is the global market leader for front-end modules. The company's sales in 2017 totaled 2.0 billion euros. HBPO has more than 2,400 employees worldwide annually producing more than 5.7 million front-end modules per year at more than 30 just-in-sequence manufacturing facilities and eight development sites in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. HBPO is a joint venture held 2/3 by Plastic Omnium and 1/3 by HELLA GmbH & Co..

Founded as partnership between HELLA and Behr in 1999, the company's name changed to HBPO when Plastic Omnium joined the partnership in 2004. The company also has joint venture programs in Korea and Malaysia.

HBPO's global customer portfolio of automotive brands includes Audi, Bentley, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Hyundai, Jeep, Kia, Mercedes, Mini, Nissan, Porsche, Proton, Renault, SEAT, Skoda, SsangYong and Volkswagen. Additional information is available online at www.hbpogroup.com.

SOURCE HBPO

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