FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(October 29, 2009)
Contact: Della Domingo
909-396-0289, ext. 130
dellad@sema.org
DRIVING SAFE PRESS CONFERENCE TO FOCUS ON THE INTEGRATION OF AFTERMARKET MODIFICATIONS WITH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS AT THE 2009 SEMA SHOW
Performance of Aftermarket Modified Vehicles and HIL Benefits To Take Center Stage
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. (Oct. 29, 2009) – Driving Safe, the third session in SEMA’s three-part vehicle technology briefing program, will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 9:30 am in Room N-254 at the 2009 SEMA Show. Following the briefing, a full-vehicle demonstration of SEMA’s dSPACE-CarSim HIL (hardware-in-the-loop) capabilities will be conducted during the Driving Safe Press Conference at Booth #10058, North Hall at 12:30 p.m. The media demonstration will illustrate how accurate simulations of FMVSS 126 ESC tests, anti-lock brake (ABS) testing, and other high-performance vehicle dynamics and safety testing procedures can be economically conducted.
“Helping SEMA members gain a deeper understanding of active-passive safety systems combined with affordable, practical approaches for determining compatibility and compliance of a given aftermarket product with ESC systems performance is a major objective of our vehicle technology strategy at SEMA” John Waraniak, vice president of vehicle technology.
The SEMA Hardware-in-the-Loop system is a collaborative effort with dSPACE, Inc., based in Wixom, Mich. and running with CarSim vehicle dynamics simulation software from Mechanical Simulation, Inc., based in Ann Arbor, Mich. This HIL technology is used by all OEMs and major suppliers around the world to develop, test and simulate vehicle dynamics, new chassis system components, engines, drivetrains, and vehicle electronic control systems. SEMA is working with its members to provide a cost-effective, world class programs, solutions and information for testing and simulation of complex technology systems integration, vehicle dynamics and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems performance of aftermarket modified vehicles.
SEMA, CarSim and dSPACE representatives, as well as speakers from Toyota and the National Truck Equipment Association will present an overview of the latest understanding, challenges, opportunities and solutions associated with ESC performance of aftermarket modified vehicles and HIL benefits during the Vehicle Technology Briefing session. At 9:30 a.m. as well as the Press Conference at 12:30 p.m.
Simulated vehicle testing can result in an 80-90 percent cost and time savings to SEMA members when compared to physical testing at proving grounds or race tracks. Performance aftermarket industry leaders such as Pro Comp Suspension Systems President, Rich Botello; Tim Watt, Vice president of Sales and Marketing for Superlift Suspension Systems; Bill Johnson, Engineering Manager from Rancho; and the Chairman of SEMA’s Suspension Task Force have been working with SEMA’s John Waraniak and Ed Browalski to develop this new SEMA program offering. This includes full-vehicle testing at TRC of Ohio to obtain actual FMVSS 126 proving ground test data and compare with CarSim simulation results.
“With the increasing complexity of electronic controls in automobiles to meet both increasing consumer expectations as well as increasing government regulations on safety, fuel efficiency and the overall driving experience, HIL technology has become indispensible to the vehicle system developer. Without it, there would never be enough time or money to be competitive,” said Kevin Kott, president of dSPACE.
About dSPACE
dSPACE develops and distributes tools for the development of electronic control units (ECUs) and mechatronic systems worldwide. Using dSPACE systems, manufacturers of controllers and ECUs are able to dramatically reduce their development times and costs, and systematically increase their productivity. Whether the objective is an electronically controlled diesel injection or fuel cell vehicles, virtually all car manufacturers and many of their suppliers rely on dSPACE hardware and software in their current development projects. dSPACE tools are also used in aerospace, drives technology, medical technology, industrial automation, and other fields. Further information: www.dspaceinc.com.
About Mechanical Simulation Corporation
Mechanical Simulation Corporation is a technology leader in the development and distribution of advanced software used to simulate vehicle performance under a wide variety of conditions. The Ann Arbor, Mich., company was established in 1996 to provide car, truck and motorcycle simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems to more than 50 vehicle OEMs, 80 Tier 1 suppliers and over 120 universities and government research groups worldwide. For more information, visit www.carsim.com.
About SEMA
SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association founded in 1963, represents the $31.85 billion specialty automotive industry of 7,144 member-companies. It is the authoritative source for research, data, trends and market growth information for the specialty auto parts industry. The industry provides appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and technology products for passenger and recreational vehicles. For more information, contact SEMA at 1575 S. Valley Vista Dr., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, tel: 909/396-0289, or visit www.sema.org or www.enjoythedrive.com.
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