LONDON, May 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan honours NuBax Limited with the 2007 European Automotive Seating Technology Emerging Company of the Year Award for its value-added and enhanced product offerings to automotive seating suppliers.
"From its establishment in the aerospace industry in 2001, the company moved on to establish an automotive presence in 2004," notes Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Mr. Andrew Lee. "The emergence of NuBax in the automotive industry provides seating suppliers with the much-needed opportunity to increase comfort and safety, while reducing costs, vehicle weight and space."
The company unveiled its revolutionary seat technology at the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) in Wokingham in October 2005. Launched under the brand name ProBax(TM), the ProBax(TM) seating technology offers ground-breaking benefits in comfort and health by improving the posture of occupants through the clever use of automotive grade foams.
In 2005, Lotus became the first manufacturer to benefit from the ProBax(TM) technology, having introduced the technology in its 2006MY Elise and Exige models. "With the removal of an incredible 1.2 kg from the total weight of Lotus vehicles, there are significant opportunities to save costs and reduce vehicle weight," says Mr. Lee. "Besides, the reduction is expected to be higher for more complex seats found in other vehicle brands."
Based on foam technology, ProBax(TM) seating changes the manner in which the occupant is supported, doing away with a number of other more complex seating technologies such as air bladders and adjustable lumbar supports. This offers weight-saving opportunities in addition to cost savings in components, production and warranties.
"In all instances comfort levels are even increased," remarks Mr. Lee. "The improved comfort levels provide a number of health benefits, increase driver safety and help to maintain the optimum driving position that maximises the safety features of the vehicle and minimises the risk of whiplash in the event of an accident."
Fundamental to the entry strategy of NuBax, having experienced the benefits of the ProBax(TM) seating technology, Lotus provides consultancy and sales support. Having Lotus onboard has proved to be beneficial for the company, as it has eliminated the need to invest heavily in in-house professionals in the automotive industry.
The presence of NuBax in motorsport has allowed the benefits of its technology to be realised and shared by racing drivers across the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), GT Racing and Formula One teams.
Testimony to the success of NuBax, a subsidiary of the TAG Group became its largest single shareholder in December 2006, with a 15 per cent stake in the company. "This development is expected to accelerate NuBax's growth plans and provide a strategic partner in branding and product positioning," adds Mr. Lee. "Being technology focused, the company will continue to work with leading Tier 1 seating suppliers, providing licences for the ProBax(TM) technology."
The Frost & Sullivan Award for Emerging Company of the Year is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated excellence within its industry. The Award is based on numerous factors including the company's business development, competitive strategy, and leadership within a particular Frost & Sullivan Industry Research Group (IRG).
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.
About NuBax
Formed in 2004, NuBax's ground breaking technology can be incorporated into most forms of seating. Automotive, aviation and office furniture are the company's primary markets and NuBax is working with a number of global OEM's in these industries. The technology improves a person's posture whilst seated, significantly enhancing comfort by maintaining the natural curvature of the spine. Trials have proven a number of significant additional health benefits including; increased blood flow for the seat occupant which could reduce the incidence of DVT-like events, a potential reduction in disc related problems, a safer driving position, reduced muscle fatigue and increased levels of concentration. The technology was recently launched in seating for the health care industry and further launches are expected this year in office furniture, private aviation and in a range of vehicles. For further information on NuBax or ProBax(TM) technology visit: www.nubax.com
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, a global growth consulting company, has been partnering with clients to support the development of innovative strategies for more than 40 years. The company's industry expertise integrates growth consulting, growth partnership services, and corporate management training to identify and develop opportunities. Frost & Sullivan serves an extensive clientele that includes Global 1000 companies, emerging companies, and the investment community by providing comprehensive industry coverage that reflects a unique global perspective and combines ongoing analysis of markets, technologies, econometrics, and demographics. For more information, visit www.awards.frost.com
Notes to Editors
Benefits of ProBax(TM) design: Maintains correct curvature of the spine; Eliminates reverse pelvic tilt; Minimises pressure under the coccyx; Manages the Ischial pressure points; Limits pressure under the hamstring muscles; Provides support under the pelvis; Provides a soft spinal channel; Is effective for 95% of the population; Requires no upholstery or frame changes.
ProBax(TM) and the ProBax(TM) logo are registered trademarks of NuBax Limited. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
For further information, please contact:
Frost & Sullivan
Sandra Holze, Promotions Co-ordinator, Best Practices
T: +44-20-7915-7866
sandra.holze@frost.com