Press Release
IEE Luxembourg Invests in SimDesigner and CATIA V5 to Improve Pedestrian Safety Products
Santa Ana, CA - January 27, 2004 - MSC.Software Corp. (NYSE: MNS), the leading global provider of virtual product development (VPD) products including simulation software and services, today announced that the leading European developer and producer of sensing products, IEE Luxembourg has invested in MSC.Softwareýs SimDesigner products and CATIA V5 to develop an integrated bumper contact safety system, based on force sensing resistor (FSRý) technology, to meet new European pedestrian safety standards.
"Our SimDesigner product line is specifically developed to help CATIA designers and engineers perform analysis of important performance attributes early in the design process. We are starting to see some exciting pipeline growth within the SimDesigner product line thanks both to our direct sales force and to our agents and resellers," said Frank Perna, chairman and chief executive officer of MSC.Software. "We are truly living in a remarkable time when automotive systems can be smart enough to recognize pedestrian-related accidents and change the physical characteristics of the car to decrease the potential for serious injury. These types of systems are only possible thanks to virtual product development and the combination and correlation of simulation and physical testing."
"With the MSC.Software products and CATIA V5, it will be easier and faster for us to develop and produce products, which will help to increase pedestrian safety and to meet the European requirements. As CATIA V5 is now our native CAD tool, we needed integrated simulation tools, such as the SimDesigner product family, to help our designers and engineers make the right decisions early in the development process," said Paul Schockmel, IEE. "We are very satisfied with what we have accomplished with the tools and the services provided by MSC.Software and plan to extend our use of the MSC.Software products within the next year."
Based upon new European automotive pedestrian safety directives starting in 2005, new vehicles must comply with tests regarding pedestrian protection against head and leg injuries. Automotive manufacturers and suppliers are working to develop active and passive pedestrian protection systems, which are vehicle systems and parts that provide more safety for pedestrians in case of an accident. These measures include deformation materials in the bonnet area and front-end structure, "pedestrian friendly" front geometries or even outside airbags to protect pedestrians.
By modifying the design of a vehicle's front-end structure, most of the kinetic energy in an accident between pedestrian and vehicle can be absorbed by the car instead of the person. The active protection systems developed by IEE with MSC.Software products consist of impact detection sensors in the front bumper that control the bumper and move it in the event of a pedestrian-bumper interaction. If an impact is detected, the bumper is lifted a small amount offering a flexible impact zone, and decreasing the risk of serious injury to pedestrians.
About IEE
IEE (International Electronics & Engineering S.A.), founded in 1989, is headquartered in Luxembourg, Europe, and entered the automotive market in 1993. Sensing products by IEE include Passenger Presence Detection (PPD), Child Seat Presence and Orientation Detection (CPOD) and Occupant Classification system (OCý).
The companyýs customer list includes: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Citroýn, Fiat, Ford, Holden, Hyundai, Kia, Lancia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot, Renault, Rolls-Royce, Saab, Toyota, Vauxhall and Volvo.
IEE has more than 675 employees and operates two manufacturing sites as well as a technical center in Luxembourg. In addition, IEE has R&D facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan (USA) and Seoul (South Korea). For more information please visit www.iee.lu.
About MSC.Software Corporation
MSC.Software (NYSE: MNS) is the leading global provider of virtual product development products, including simulation software and services, that helps companies make money, save time and reduce costs associated with designing and testing manufactured products. MSC.Software works with thousands of companies in hundreds of industries to develop better products faster by utilizing information technology, software, services and systems. MSC.Software employs more than 1400 people in 23 countries. For additional information about MSC.Software's products and services, please visit www.mscsoftware.com.
| Contact: Joanne Keates Vice President, Investor Relations MSC.Software 714.444.8551 joanne.keates@mscsoftware.com |
Contact: Catherine Meek Media Relations MSC.Software 714.445.5647 catherine.meek@mscsoftware.com |
