Nov 15 2007
Here at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show press days, SABIC Innovative Plastics is introducing its “Design without Sacrifices” program, developed to demonstrate the advantages of using high-performance composites and thermoplastics to create complex three-dimensional designs without sacrificing performance, safety, or environmental responsibility. The program – which highlights SABIC Innovative Plastics’ commitment to developing materials that enable freedom of form – includes sponsorship of Design Los Angeles, worldwide student designer outreach, global design contests, and overall design support lead by SABIC Innovative Plastics’ design engineering team based in the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific.
“Our ‘Design without Sacrifices’ program aims to help auto designers achieve unsurpassed freedom without compromising performance, safety or eco responsibility,” said Gregory A. Adams, vice president, SABIC Innovative Plastics, Automotive. “We believe we can best support the auto industry of tomorrow by enabling designers to realize their dreams without being hampered by traditional restrictions. As examples of exciting design combined with practical performance, we are delighted to introduce the Hyundai QarmaQ to North America and further support General Motors in its launch of the Chevrolet Volt. These vehicles demonstrate how our materials facilitate design freedom while ensuring great performance, safety, and environmental support.”
The Hyundai QarmaQ, a technology demonstration vehicle making its North American debut during the press days at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, features more than 30 new plastic technologies developed by SABIC Innovative Plastics. These technologies enable breakthrough styling, unique technological safety advances, and lighter weight of up to 50 percent per part for reduced fuel consumption. Additionally, through the use of advanced plastic technology, QarmaQ’s hood, doors, lighting components, and energy absorbers are constructed using approximately 900 upcycled PET plastic bottles.
In addition to GM and Hyundai, many global automakers have adopted materials and technologies developed by SABIC Innovative Plastics. As the former GE Plastics, the company has worked with most of the key global manufacturers on the launch of lightweight applications.
Several carmakers, including General Motors, Honda, smart, and SEAT already use Lexan* glazing to replace glass for new design expressions. Honda turned to SABIC Innovative Plastics for glazing technology to create a unique, curved “extra window” in the 2006 European Civic hatchback model. Lexan* GLX resin with a silicone hardcoat provided a winning combination of design freedom and high performance. Today with polycarbonate glazing systems from Exatec**, the company introduces a variety of integrated materials that allow functionality and unique form language. Other manufacturers including Renault, Hummer, BMW, and Mitsubishi Motors selected lightweight Noryl* GTX resin to enable unique design and replace steel in front fenders. Suzuki Motor Corporation also worked with SABIC Innovative Plastics to develop a pedestrian protection energy absorber featuring Xenoy* resin for the internationally renown Suzuki Swift. This system won the first SPE Automotive Innovation Award for Safety.
At Design Los Angeles, SABIC Innovative Plastics is showcasing its cutting-edge material technologies including its Lexan polycarbonate window glazing with Exatec in room 406A in the Concourse upper level.