WESTFIELD, Ind., December 20, 2011 — The Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE), a premier independent crash and structural test facility and division of IMMI, today announced that it has been named 2011 Crash Test Facility of the Year by Automotive Testing Technology International magazine. CAPE was selected for its development of safety systems for commercial vehicles, its continued investment in supporting testing equipment, and its role in helping IMMI bring its RollTek® rollover protection system to North American fire apparatus OEMs.
Established in 2006, the annual testing awards recognize the achievements of companies and individuals who have improved the reliability, quality, and usability of vehicles through automotive testing and development. A panel of judges—consisting of seven senior figures with extensive experience within the automotive testing industry—select the winners in seven award categories, including CAE Innovation of the Year, Hardware Innovation of the Year, Crash Test Facility of the Year, Engine Test Facility of the Year, Proving Ground of the Year, Person of the Year, and Company of the Year.
"We selected CAPE as the Crash Test Facility of the Year because of its deep commitment to advancements in vehicle safety," said Adam Gavine, editor of Automotive Testing Technology International. "A $3.5M expansion project, a consolidation of all test services into one dedicated 49,000 square foot facility, and an investment in a new Seattle Safety acceleration sled, all convinced the panel of CAPE's impressive ability to develop occupant protection equipment for industries ranging from commercial vehicles to motorsports."
Since 1999, CAPE has supported the engineering of advanced safety solutions for the fire industry. Utilizing one of the world's largest crash barriers and its unique commercial vehicle rollover test machine, CAPE's fire apparatus vehicle testing resulted in the successful development of RollTek--the only advanced rollover accident injury mitigation system in the fire industry--and 4Front™—the first advanced protection system to protect fire personnel in head-on collisions.
"We're quite honored to be recognized as a leader in crash and structural testing by Automotive Testing Technology International magazine and its distinguished panel of industry experts," said Tom Chezem, CAPE vice president. "This award reflects our continued commitment to partner with vehicle manufacturers to engineer new life saving technology."
For more information on CAPE, visit www.capetesting.com. For more information on IMMI, an industry leader in the design, testing and manufacturing of advanced safety systems, visit www.imminet.com.
About Automotive Testing Technology International Magazine Launched in February 1998, Automotive Testing Technology International magazine focuses solely on the latest technologies and services within the world of automotive test and evaluation. Supported by the leading suppliers of test and evaluation equipment and every leading provider of test and evaluation services, the publication provides in-depth case study articles, expert interviews and ground-breaking technology profiles covering areas from impact and crash testing to vehicle refinement, from NVH to engine and emissions analysis, in fact, all aspects of automotive test and evaluation.
A dedicated transportation-related crash and structural test facility located in Westfield, Ind., the Center for Advanced Product Evaluation (CAPE) is the leading center for testing safety equipment for commercial vehicles, child seating, motorsports, and other transportation industries.
IMMI®, based in Westfield, Ind., has been an industry leader in the design, testing and manufacturing of advanced safety systems. IMMI produces hundreds of innovative products for various sectors, including the commercial vehicle, fire/ambulance, child seating, school bus and motorcoach industries. A well-established global presence with facilities in North America, Asia and Europe, IMMI brings safety to people throughout the world.
