Losing auto weight could land suppliers and automakers a new industry prize. Altair Engineering Inc. is teaming up with the Center for Automotive Research to create the new Altair Enlighten Award. Troy, Mich.-based Altair and CAR, based in Ann Arbor, Mich., announced the new award during CAR’s Management Briefing Seminars in Traverse City Aug. 6, calling it the "first award program created speciically to acknowledge innovations" in auto lightweighting. The award can cover a variety of parts, used in everything from sedans to motorcycles to commercial vehicles and buses. The organizers noted in a news release that they are encouraging achievements demonstrating the "merits of mixed material lightweighting solutions." The honor falls in line with the Coalition for Automotive Lightweighting Materials, which CAR created last year. "By recognizing practical examples of lightweighting solutions, Altair’s Enlighten Award will inspire innovation which will help manufacturers achieve aggressive fuel economy targets established by the government," said Jay Baron, president of CAR and director of CALM. Further information and nomination details for the award will be released online through Altair’s website on Oct. 1.
Toolmakers support program providing iPads for wounded vets
May 10, 2013 12:34 pm ET
