News

CORDURA® Fabric Featured in Aunde Italia Upholstery for New Fiat Cinquecento Model

WILMINGTON, DE - February 12, 2008 - INVISTA is announcing an exciting new collection of automotive seating fabrics, in partnership with AUNDE Italia.  The first styles in the AUNDE Italia upholstery range made of CORDURA® fabric were introduced in the new FIAT Cinquecento, which was officially unveiled on July 4.

By mid-Oct. up to 22,000 units of the highly customized FIAT Cinquecento, which features more than 500,000 possible combinations of styling options had been sold.  Both the Sport and Lounge models contain AUNDE Italia’s upholstery made of CORDURA® fabric.  The AUNDE Italia upholstery made of CORDURA® fabric is available in two colour options for the Lounge model and a further colour option for the Sport model.

FIAT’S 1950’s models are what inspire the seats of the Cinquecento.  They feature a split effect of solid tone fabric at the bottom and an upper lunette and head restraint that match the colour of the steering wheel.  Additionally, the upholstered portions of the door panels are made to match the seats. The recently unveiled Cinquecento offers 15 upholstery options, including luxurious CORDURA® fabric styles made by AUNDE Italia SpA.

“AUNDE Italia entered into a relationship with INVISTA because we recognized the superior quality of CORDURA® fabric,” says Antonio Brusadelli, CEO, AUNDE Italia SpA.  “The fabric’s reputation for long-lasting durability and INVISTA’s successful track record in the automotive industry made CORDURA® fabric the right choice.”

CORDURA® fabric is specifically engineered to offer maximum durability and to meet the critical standards expected in the automotive industry.

“INVISTA is well versed in the quality standards expected in the automotive industry, due to its No. 1 global position in the supply of fibre for airbags,” says Bill Colven, global business director, CORDURA® brand.  “CORDURA® branded automotive upholstery fabrics are tested to ensure 100 percent compliance to automotive specifications.”

Products made by AUNDE Italia are meant for the interior of vehicles.  In order to meet automotive regulations, all products are required to perform well in extreme environmental influences such as light, humidity and temperature.  They must also pass stringent flammability requirements and be easy to clean.

“INVISTA has successfully built a reputation of exceptional durability and versatility for CORDURA® fabrics,” says Cindy McNaull, global brand manager, CORDURA® fabric.  “We continue our dedication to finding new and innovative applications for CORDURA® fabrics utilizing our core fibre technology expertise.”

About CORDURA® Brand

INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand essence celebrates individual durability: As Long As The World Is Full Of Durable People, We’ll Keep Making Durable Fabrics™. Known for its resistance to abrasions, tears and scuffs, CORDURA® fabric is a primary ingredient in many of the world’s leading high-performance gear and apparel products ranging from luggage, upholstery and backpacks to footwear, military equipment, tactical wear, workwear and performance apparel. The CORDURA® brand is a registered trademark of INVISTA, one of the world’s largest integrated polymer, intermediates and fibers businesses. To distinguish the CORDURA® brand, the word “CORDURA®” must be spelled out in all caps in and used with an ®, and it must be followed by the word “brand” or “fabric.”

To learn more about INVISTA’s CORDURA® brand, end-use products, and marketing tools please visit www.CORDURA.com.

About INVISTA

INVISTA is one of the world’s largest integrated producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester applications, a business presence in over 20 countries, INVISTA’s global businesses deliver exceptional value for their customers through technology innovations, market insights and a powerful portfolio of global trademarks including: ADI-PURE®, ANTRON®, AVORA®, C12™, COMFOREL®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, CORFREE®, DACRON®, DBE®, DYTEK®, FRESHFX™, LYCRA®, PERFORMA™, POLARGUARD®, POLYSHIELD®, POLYCLEAR®, SOLARMAX®, STAINMASTER®, SUPPLEX®, SUPRIVA®, TACTEL®, TACTESSE®, TERATE®, TERATHANE® and THERMOLITE®. More information on INVISTA can be found at www.INVISTA.com.