E-Z-GO 2002 Annual Report Download - page 11

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9
Innovation keeps us on the competitive edge, and Textron employees around the world are
being inspired to solve problems by thinking in new ways. One example, Kautex’s new
Environmental Simulation Dome, allows fuel systems to be pre-tested in extreme driving
conditions without ever leaving the factory. This new invention saves time and money for both
Kautex and the customer. Not only will Kautex achieve significant savings on testing, but it
will also generate new revenue by licensing the technology.
Kautex continued to innovate in 2002 by introducing breakthrough plastic fuel systems that
will help auto manufacturers meet the toughest emissions requirements in the world, the
Partial Zero Emission Vehicle requirements set by the state of California. In 2002, Kautex
received two of the world’s first production orders for these environment-friendly systems,
which will begin to appear in automobiles within the next 3-4 years. At that time, California
alone is expected to require some 400,000 vehicles to meet these new standards.
Innovations like the Environmental Simulation Dome and others have been recognized with
the “Textron Chairman’s Award for Innovation,” designed to celebrate and reward employees
whose innovations directly contribute to Textron’s growth, profitability or competitive position.
Eighty-seven innovations were recognized through this program in 2002 as part of an ongo-
ing effort to inculcate a passion for innovation and drive customer satisfaction and organic
growth throughout the Textron family of companies.
Inspiring Innovation
Textron is promoting
and rewarding innova-
tions such as the new
Kautex Environmental
Simulation Dome, which
saves time and money
by testing fuel systems
in extreme conditions
without ever leaving the
factory.