M2K seat recognized in automotive awards program
The annual Automotive News PACE Awards, presented here last week, shone a spotlight in the school bus industry as part of its quest to honor “superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers.”
DETROIT — The annual Automotive News PACE Awards, presented here last week, shone a spotlight in the school bus industry as part of its quest to honor “superior innovation, technological advancement and business performance among automotive suppliers.”
M2K’s school bus seat, which is offered in a variety of sizes and with or without lap-shoulder belts, earned honorable mention in the prestigious awards program.
M2K and Takata, the two partnering companies that now own SynTec Seating Solutions, were recognized at the event for the innovative design of the seat and belt system.
Ron Lamparter, co-chairman of M2K and CEO of SynTec, said it was the first time that a product intended solely for school buses had been selected for the honor.
“Competition for these awards included many very large global companies with internationally recognized names,” Lamparter said. “The school bus industry was finally recognized by the automotive industry for a very significant honor amongst competition that was truly global in nature.”
Other companies honored at the 15th PACE Awards included Eaton Corp., Magna Mirrors and BorgWarner.
The event was presented by Automotive News and co-sponsors Ernst & Young and Transportation Research Center Inc.
More Management

Changing Lanes: AMF Bruns, Pro-Vision, CALSTART, HopSkipDrive, & Kooner
Check out who's been hired, promoted, and appointed to leadership positions at various school transportation industry suppliers and nonprofits.
Read More →
NCST Announces 18th Congress Event Dates, New Committees
The National Congress on School Transportation moves to St. Louis in May 2029, convening delegates and industry representatives to discuss new best practice recommendations. Now, the new committee chairs have been named.
Read More →
Key Moments from the 2026 NSTA Annual Meeting in the Mile High City
From federal policy updates and OEM presentations to speed networking and industry awards, see photos and highlights from the contractor association’s summer conference in Denver.
Read More →
HopSkipDrive Launches Spanish-Language App Update, Plans Additional Language Support
The update aims to improve communication with multilingual families by offering ride tracking, notifications, and support in Spanish, with more languages planned for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
Where the Yellow Bus Takes Us: School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year Winners
See the winning photos from School Bus Fleet's 2026 Photo of the Year contest, featuring stunning school bus images from across the U.S., from scenic landscapes to everyday moments.
Read More →
2026 Back-To-School Readiness Report
Staffing gaps, flat budgets, and the distance between “mostly prepared” and ready for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read More →
National School Transportation Association Presents 2026 Award Winners
Twenty-one individuals and contractor companies were recognized for excellence in student transportation at NSTA's annual meeting and convention in Denver.
Read More →
School Transportation Data Is Only as Powerful as the Story It Tells
Leaders say turning operational metrics into student-centered narratives can help districts justify investments and improve service.
Read More →
Photos: NYAPT Celebrates 50 Years at 2026 Conference & Trade Show
See highlights from NYAPT's 50th anniversary conference in Saratoga Springs, featuring educational sessions, awards, a trade show, networking, and more.
Read More →
Ohio Transportation Workgroup Calls for End to 'Impractical to Transport' Payments
A final report from Ohio's Pupil Transportation Workgroup proposes ending "impractical to transport" payments and expanding transportation options through regional partnerships, but not all industry pros agree on the approach.
Read More →


