Siemens PLM Software Named 2008 Automotive News Pace Awards Finalist

PLANO, Texas and DETROIT, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services, today announced the company has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2008 Automotive News PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award competition.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070904/SIEMENSLOGO )

The finalist designation is for the Information Technology award category, in recognition of the UGS Synergy(TM) program, a new computer-aided-design (CAD)-independent, asynchronous data sharing program based on JT(TM) data format that makes seamless collaboration on vehicle design and manufacturing a reality.

The awards program, now in its 14th year, is recognized around the world as the industry symbol of innovation. Information Technology category winners demonstrate game-changing innovations in the design and implementation of information systems solutions that enable companies to improve operational performance or delivery of services.

"We are honored to earn the distinction as a finalist of this prestigious automotive industry award, in recognition of UGS Synergy, a new program that revolutionizes the vehicle design and manufacturing collaboration process," said Dave Shirk, executive vice president, Global Marketing, Siemens PLM Software.

Launched in June 2007, UGS Synergy provides for asynchronous design information sharing in a CAD-independent environment. For the first time, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and suppliers at all levels of the supply chain have a single optimized process for exchanging vehicle design and manufacturing information.

UGS Synergy enables suppliers to set up their own PLM environment and leverage its power to optimize the entire enterprise. The program leverages its JT data format, which has emerged as a standard for 3D visual collaboration in the automotive industry. Both OEMs and suppliers alike use JT for a wide range of downstream applications from purchasing to manufacturing, as it is smaller in file size and protects intellectual property.

Ford Motor Company was one of the first OEM companies to support UGS Synergy to compliment their existing supplier exchange solutions within C3P- NG. Ford announced to the supply community in September 2007 that UGS Synergy was being piloted and could be immediately leveraged by Ford suppliers for consumption of Ford generated JT product data to support design in context. To date, Ford has not limited the consumption of JT by the supply base for any of Ford's active vehicle programs. Additionally in support of its efforts to validate UGS Synergy as a supplier exchange mechanism, Ford is currently reviewing delivery methodologies for specific commodities which will be approved for use.

According to a November 2006 report, Cyon Research Corporation estimates that if a single platform such as JT were implemented as a standard data- transfer mechanism, automotive industry suppliers would benefit from savings in the range of $500 million to $800 million annually.

Developed and tested on HP ProLiant servers, the UGS Synergy program enables an optimized design environment through a single, enterprise-wide data management environment that unites all suppliers product information, enforces proper part nomenclature and encourages best practice work processes together with a single, best-in-class, latest generation design system.

Siemens PLM Software, along with other Automotive News PACE Award finalists, undergo an extensive review process -- including a site visit -- by industry, academic and business leaders to select award winners, to be announced at a gala ceremony in Detroit on April 14, 2008.

The 14th annual PACE Award is jointly presented by Automotive News, Microsoft, SAP and Transportation Research Center Inc. and also sponsored by OESA, Sprint and WCSX 94.7FM in Detroit. For complete details of the 2008 Automotive News PACE Award, visit www.autonews.com/PACE.

About Siemens PLM Software

Siemens PLM Software, a business unit of the Siemens Industry Automation Division, is a leading global provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services with 4.6 million licensed seats and 51,000 customers worldwide. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Siemens PLM Software's open enterprise solutions enable a world where organizations and their partners collaborate through Global Innovation Networks to deliver world-class products and services. For more information on Siemens PLM Software products and services, visit www.siemens.com/plm.

About the Siemens Industry Automation Division

The Siemens Industry Automation Division (Nuremberg), a division of the Siemens Industry Sector, is a worldwide leader in the fields of automation systems, low-voltage switchgear and industrial software. Its portfolio ranges from standard products for the manufacturing and process industry to solutions for whole industries and systems that encompass the automation of entire automobile production facilities and chemical plants. As a leading software supplier, Industry Automation optimizes the entire value added chain of manufacturers -- from product design and development to production, sales and a wide range of maintenance services.

Note: Siemens and the Siemens logo are registered trademarks of Siemens AG. JT and UGS Synergy are trademarks or registered trademarks of Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and in other countries. All other trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks belong to their respective holders.