INDUSTRY

MSC.Software Corp. (NYSE:MNS), the leading global provider of virtual product development (VPD) tools including simulation software and services, today announced that UK- based Lola Cars International Ltd, part of the Lola Group, have selected a software and services solution from MSC.Software to enhance in-house development of their race car products and services. "Success in the highly competitive racing industry requires constant creativity, innovation, flexibility and efficiency. Companies like Lola need the most advanced materials and simulation technology to be one step ahead and MSC.Software provides a complete solution of software products, professional services and infrastructure to support the most challenging simulation disciplines like composite materials," said Frank Perna CEO MSC.Software. "We look forward to playing an active part in supporting Lola Cars as they develop, test and manufacture winning race cars faster with reduced costs." Following their attendance at MSC.Software's recent 'Black Metal or Black Art?' seminar on Virtual Product Development for Composite Materials, Lola selected MSC.Software to provide a complete software and services package comprised of MSC.Nastran, MSC.Patran and MSC.Patran Laminate Modeler, together with on-site training services. "We chose MSC.Patran with MSC.Patran Laminate Modeler because it is the most advanced composite analysis tool, which means that its efficiency in analysing and production engineering the laminate will pay back in less than 2 years in reduced material waste. It also gives us a complete composites design and manufacturing capability which is unique in commercially available composite structures," said Julian Cooper, Chief Engineer, Lola Cars International. "In addition we are confident that MSC.Software's team ability and experience in supporting the majority of the motor sport world will speed up and streamline our own production process." Having pioneered the use of composite materials in the 1970's, and counting numerous successes with Indy Car, F3, F3000, and Champ Car competitions, Lola Cars International, has an established history in providing leading edge products and services to the motor sport industry. Now acknowledged as one of the leading authorities in the design and manufacture of composite materials, Lola Cars and sister manufacturing company CTS serves a wide variety of industries including motor-sport, aerospace, and the application of composite bodies and structures to well-known luxury sportscar brands.