INDUSTRY

CAMBERLEY, England and PLANO, Texas -- EDS today announced Formula 1 racing team Jordan Grand Prix is expanding its use of I-deas(R) integrated mechanical design, engineering and manufacturing software. Terms of the agreement, which includes software and implementation services, were not disclosed. Based at the famous British motor racing circuit, Silverstone, Jordan Grand Prix designs, manufactures and races Formula 1 cars in the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix series. The team has recently constructed a new 10,000 sq. m. facility and wind tunnel at its Silverstone headquarters, significantly expanding its research, development and manufacturing capability. Jordan has used EDS' I-deas software for several years for the design, visualisation, performance simulation and manufacturing of the chassis and major components of its Formula 1 cars. The team uses the software to produce a 'virtual' prototype of the complete car, which allows all aspects of its packaging and performance to be evaluated before manufacturing and construction of the car begins. The virtual prototype reduces the need for physical prototypes and gives more opportunity for innovative designs to be tried and for last minute design changes to be accommodated. The additional software will enable the team to extend its use of concurrent engineering practices in order to continue to reduce the overall development time for its evolving Formula 1 car. EDS PLM Solutions and Formula 1 Racing In addition to Jordan Grand Prix, collaborative product development software from EDS is used extensively at the Jaguar Racing, Lucky Strike BAR Honda and BMW Williams Formula 1 motor racing teams, as well as by leading Le Mans, FIA GT, Touring Car and Rally teams, and the many specialist racing car component manufacturers who develop items such as the teams' engines, gearboxes and suspension systems. "Our involvement with Formula One and other racing teams enables EDS to showcase its industry-leading PLM software in action," said Jim Duncan, EDS PLM Solutions' president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "Winning a race demands teamwork and collaboration. The teams we work with are finding our technology is a key component in their effort to enhance their vehicles' performance and shave a few more seconds off their time to the finish line. Our extensive experience in the commercial automotive sector, helps us supply valuable expertise in a wide variety of automotive industry environments."