CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - May 3, 2012) - Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: [ MEI ]), a global designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices, today announced it was named a 2012 Automotive News PACE Award winner on April 23 at the 18^th annual PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) Award ceremony in Detroit presented by Automotive News, Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.). The product innovation award recognizes innovations in new products, components or systems that have significant market impact and act as "game changers" in the automotive industry.

Methode Electronics was recognized for its Field-Effect™ solid-state switches, which were first launched on the center stacks of Ford's 2011 Edge, 2011 Explorer, and 2011 Lincoln MKX models. Methode's patented Field-Effect sensing technology offers customers an extremely reliable, digital logic-level, switching solution for use in a variety of markets and product applications. It can easily replace any conventional electro-mechanical switches. Field-Effect requires no software to operate, offers adjustable sensitivity, and is available in a broad variety of shapes, sizes, and contours. Ford is now launching the 2013 Lincoln MKS, 2013 Lincoln MKT, 2013 Ford Flex and 2013 Ford Taurus models with Field-Effect in their center stacks.

"Methode Electronics is focused on delivering groundbreaking technology solutions for the automotive market, and our TouchSensor panels are a great example," said Ted Kill, vice president of Global Sales. "Methode will continue to provide our customers a competitive advantage in their markets through its innovative, world-class solutions."

The competition was open to suppliers who contribute products, processes, materials or services directly to the manufacture of cars or trucks. The Automotive News PACE Award is accepted around the world as the industry symbol of innovation.

About Methode Electronics, Inc.
Methode Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: [ MEI ]) is a global designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices with manufacturing, design and testing facilities in the United States, Malta, Mexico, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Singapore and India. We design, manufacture and market devices employing electrical, electronic, wireless, sensing and optical technologies to control and convey signals through sensors, interconnections and controls. Our business is managed on a segment basis, with those segments being Automotive, Interconnect, Power Products and Other. Our components are in the primary end markets of the automobile, computer, information processing and networking equipment, voice and data communication systems, consumer electronics, appliances, aerospace vehicles and industrial equipment industries. Further information can be found on Methode's Web site [ www.methode.com ].