Cooper Standard, a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components, has recently been recognized as a finalist for the 2025 Automotive News PACE Pilot Award for two innovative technologies. The company’s eCoFlow Switch Pump, developed in collaboration with Saleri Group, and its FlexiCore Thermoplastic Body Door Seal have been selected as finalists in this prestigious competition that celebrates groundbreaking innovations in the automotive industry.
The eCoFlow Switch Pump is a cutting-edge coolant control module that combines the features of an electric water pump and an electrically driven valve into a single integrated unit. This technology is designed to address the complex glycol thermal management needs of fully electrified or hybrid vehicles by enabling fluid flow switching, splitting, and regulating. By consolidating these functions into one component, automakers can achieve efficiency improvements, part consolidation, reduced electrical wire harnesses, and more efficient vehicle packaging space.
On the other hand, the FlexiCore Thermoplastic Body Door Seal represents a revolutionary approach to sealing a doorframe to the vehicle body. By replacing traditional metal and aluminum parts with a lightweight, eco-friendly plastic material, this technology offers significant sustainability benefits. Not only does it reduce the total weight of the part by up to 44%, but it also provides full recyclability without compromising performance.
Chris Couch, president of fluid handling systems and chief technology officer at Cooper Standard, expressed his delight at the recognition of these two innovations as Automotive News PACE Pilot Award finalists. He credited the success to the talent and dedication of the company’s team, highlighting their commitment to bringing new technologies to market and delivering superior value to customers.
The Automotive News PACE program, which has been honoring innovation, technological advancement, and business performance among automotive suppliers for 30 years, recognizes pre-commercial and post-pilot innovations in the automotive and future mobility sectors. Evaluated by an independent panel of judges, the PACE program is considered the industry benchmark for innovation. The winners of the PACE Awards will be announced at a ceremony in April 2025.
Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Michigan, with operations in 21 countries, is committed to creating innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. With approximately 23,000 employees worldwide, the company continues to improve its business practices and contribute to the communities in which it operates.
In conclusion, Cooper Standard’s recognition as a finalist for the Automotive News PACE Pilot Award underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. The company’s groundbreaking technologies, such as the eCoFlow Switch Pump and FlexiCore Thermoplastic Body Door Seal, showcase its dedication to driving positive change and delivering value to its customers.
