Cooper Standard Quick Connector with Integrated Temperature Sensor Named SPE® Automotive Innovation Award Finalist

Rhea-AI Summary

Cooper Standard (NYSE: CPS) was named a 2025 SPE Automotive Innovation Award finalist on Dec 16, 2025 for a quick connector with integrated temperature sensor used on a General Motors electric vehicle.

The innovation, in the Chassis/Hardware category, integrates a coolant temperature sensor into a plastic quick connector to combine two components into one modular solution. Reported benefits include reduced part count, elimination of a potential leak path, improved assembly efficiency and reliability, and reduced packaging space in tight powertrain areas. The integrated sensor offers real-time coolant monitoring to support thermal control across vehicle applications.

Market Reality Check

$34.81 Last Close

Volume Volume 165,349 is 18% above the 20-day average of 139,849 (relative volume 1.18). normal

Technical Shares at $33.21 are trading above the 200-day MA $25.87 and 18.34% below the $40.67 52-week high.

Peers on Argus

CPS is up 0.82% while key Auto Parts peers are down today: AXL -2.31%, SLDP -7.03%, PLOW -0.82%, ECX -4.76%, SMP -0.21%, indicating stock-specific strength rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Dec 12	ESG recognition	Positive	+3.3%	Named to Newsweek’s America’s Most Responsible Companies list.
Oct 30	Quarterly results	Positive	-7.2%	Q3 2025 results with higher sales, gross profit and adjusted EBITDA.
Oct 15	Media feature	Neutral	+0.4%	ISG unit to be featured on Inside the Blueprint on business channels.
Oct 14	Earnings call notice	Neutral	+3.6%	Announcement of Q3 2025 release timing and management conference call.
Sep 18	Leadership change	Positive	-2.5%	Promotion of IT leader to SVP, Chief Information Technology and AI Officer.

Pattern Detected

Across the last five news events, CPS shows a mix of aligned and divergent reactions, with both positive recognitions and operational updates sometimes met with selling.

Recent Company History

Over the past six months, CPS news has ranged from ESG recognition to financial results and leadership changes. A Dec 12, 2025 responsibility award coincided with a 3.26% gain, while Q3 2025 results on Oct 30 saw a -7.24% reaction despite margin and cash flow improvements. Communications around earnings calls and media features in October drew modestly positive moves, whereas a senior IT/AI leadership promotion on Sep 18 was followed by a -2.54% decline. Today’s innovation award fits a pattern of recurring recognition-focused headlines.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock moved +5.1% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with prior recognition-driven headlines that have coincided with gains, such as the 3.26% move on Dec 12, 2025. However, past earnings like Q3 2025 on Oct 30 saw a -7.24% response despite operational improvement, highlighting that sentiment can shift quickly. Investors monitoring sustainability of any surge may weigh recent insider net buying and prior bouts of selling after good news.

Key Terms

quick connector technical

"The innovation integrates a coolant temperature sensor directly into the plastic quick connector"

A quick connector is a small mechanical fitting that lets two parts — such as hoses, pipes, electrical cables or fluid lines — be joined or separated rapidly and securely without tools, similar to a snap‑on plug. Investors watch this product because it often represents recurring, volume sales across many industries, can affect manufacturing costs and supply chains, and may create customer lock‑in through standardized connections that boost steady revenue.

integrated temperature sensor technical

"quick connector with integrated temperature sensor found on a General Motors electric vehicle"

An integrated temperature sensor is a built-in device that continuously measures the heat of a product, component, or environment and reports that information to the system that controls or monitors it. For investors, it matters because these sensors improve safety, reliability and efficiency—like a thermostat in a house—helping devices meet regulatory standards, reduce warranty costs, enable new features, and maintain product value, which can affect sales, margins and market acceptance.

coolant temperature sensor technical

"The innovation integrates a coolant temperature sensor directly into the plastic quick connector"

A coolant temperature sensor is a small device that measures the temperature of a vehicle’s or machine’s engine coolant and sends that information to control systems. It matters to investors because its readings affect fuel efficiency, emissions controls, engine performance and maintenance needs—similar to a home thermostat telling a heating system when to turn up or down, so faults or improvements can influence product reliability, warranty costs and regulatory compliance.

powertrain technical

"reducing packaging space in an already tight powertrain environment"

Powertrain is the collection of parts that generate and deliver motion in a vehicle — typically the engine or electric motor, transmission, driveshafts, axles and related control systems or batteries in electric models. It matters to investors because powertrain design and efficiency drive fuel economy, performance, production cost, regulatory compliance and warranty risk, all of which affect a maker’s competitiveness, profit margins and exposure to supply-chain or technology shifts; think of it as the vehicle’s heart and muscles.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

NORTHVILLE, Mich., Dec. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper-Standard Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CPS) has been recognized as a 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Innovation Award finalist for its quick connector with integrated temperature sensor found on a General Motors electric vehicle. The innovation is recognized in the Chassis/Hardware category.

The Cooper Standard and GM collaboration delivers a breakthrough in cooling system design. The innovation integrates a coolant temperature sensor directly into the plastic quick connector, combining two components into one modular solution. This design reduces part count, eliminates potential leak path, and improves assembly efficiency and reliability while reducing packaging space in an already tight powertrain environment.

"We're honored to be recognized once again by SPE for our collaborative innovation," said Chris Couch, president, Fluid Handling Systems and chief technology officer, Cooper Standard. "By integrating sensor functionality into the quick connector, we're helping OEMs like General Motors simplify their systems, reduce weight and cost, and deliver even higher quality and performance. It's a solution that represents the kind of innovation Cooper Standard is known for."

The integrated temperature sensor provides precise, real-time monitoring of coolant system conditions to optimize performance and protection in any vehicle. Designed for seamless integration into fluid connectors and tubing, the sensor eliminates the need for separate in-line components, reducing complexity, weight and potential leak paths. Its compact, robust design supports accurate thermal control, improving efficiency and reliability across a wide range of vehicle applications.

About the SPE Automotive Innovation Awards Program
SPE's Automotive Innovation Awards Program is the oldest and largest competition of its kind in the world. Dozens of teams made up of OEMs, tier suppliers, and polymer producers submit nominations describing their part, system, or complete vehicle and why it merits the claim as the Year's Most Innovative Use of Plastics. This annual event typically draws over 800 OEM engineers, automotive and plastics industry executives, and media. As is customary, funds raised from this event are used to support SPE educational efforts and technical seminars, which help educate and secure the role of plastics in the advancement of the automobile. For more information, please visit: https://speautomotive.com/spe-automotive-div-innovation-awards/.   

About Cooper Standard  
Cooper Standard, headquartered in Northville, Mich., with locations in 20 countries, is a leading global supplier of sealing and fluid handling systems and components. Utilizing our materials science and manufacturing expertise, we create innovative and sustainable engineered solutions for diverse transportation and industrial markets. Cooper Standard's approximately 22,000 team members (including contingent workers) are at the heart of our success, continuously improving our business and surrounding communities. Learn more at www.cooperstandard.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube. 

Contact for Media: 
Chris Andrews
Cooper Standard
(248) 596-6217
CAndrews@cooperstandard.com

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SOURCE Cooper Standard

FAQ

What did Cooper Standard (CPS) announce on December 16, 2025?

Cooper Standard announced it was a 2025 SPE Automotive Innovation Award finalist for a quick connector with an integrated temperature sensor used on a GM electric vehicle.

What is the technical innovation in the CPS quick connector?

The innovation integrates a coolant temperature sensor directly into a plastic quick connector, combining two components into one modular solution.

Which vehicle OEM uses the Cooper Standard integrated sensor connector?

The announcement says the integrated connector is found on a General Motors electric vehicle.

What investor-relevant benefits did Cooper Standard cite for the CPS innovation?

The company highlighted reduced part count, fewer potential leak paths, improved assembly efficiency and reliability, and reduced packaging space.

In which SPE award category was Cooper Standard named a finalist?

Cooper Standard was named a finalist in the Chassis/Hardware category.

Does the integrated sensor change coolant monitoring for vehicles according to Cooper Standard?

Yes; the company said the integrated sensor provides precise, real-time monitoring of coolant conditions to support thermal control and protection.