SPE Automotive Division presents Innovation Awards

Nov. 14, 2024
Winners named in 10 categories, along with Lifetime Achievement and Hall of Fame recognitions.

The Automotive Division of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) has announced the winners of its 53rd Automotive Innovation Awards Program.  

The Process/Assembly/Enabling Technologies category winner, “Front Seat Back and Cushion Frames: 2024MY Toyota Tacoma,” won the Grand Award, which is selected by a panel of experts from the 10 category winners. 

Tom Russell was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the industry’s first Plastic Encapsulated Windows — fixed rear quarter windows used on the 1978 General Motors Company A-Body Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile and Buick Wagons — were named the 2024 Hall of Fame Winner. 

Established in 1970, SPE’s Automotive Innovation Awards Program is the oldest and largest competition of its kind in the world. Teams made up of OEMs, tier suppliers and polymer producers submit nominations of their part, system or complete vehicle. Funds raised from the event are used to support SPE educational programs.  

Learn more about all the honorees in this slideshow.