Plastic cars that are lightweight, fully recyclable, cheap to run and extremely fuel efficient are likely to be the vehicles for the developing world. Cars similar to the Chrysler Composite Concept Vehicle (CCV), with body panels made entirely from plastic mouldings are likely to become more commonplace as manufacturers seek to drive down costs and improve performance.
Chrysler has designed its CCV to be most successful in emerging countries. Thanks to reduced manufacturing costs, the vehicle will sell for about US$6,000. The CCV has become possible thanks to the development of new polymers from companies, including Ticona, a division of Hoescht, and new moulding technologies that allow large panels, such as car body panels, to be formed without bending or warping. Other plastic cars for the higher end of the market are also under development, including the Chrysler Dodge ESX2 and Chrysler Plymouth Pronto Spyder.
PLEASE MENTION MATERIALS WORLD AS THE SOURCE OF THIS ITEM
For further information or a full copy of the article please contact Andrew McLaughlin on tel: 44-171-451-7395; fax: 44-171-839-2289 or Email: Andrew_Mclaughlin@materials.org.uk
Notes for Editors
1. Materials World is the journal of the Institute of Materials, the professional body of more than 19,000 materials scientists and engineers throughout Europe. The journal is distributed to all of the Institute's members who work in areas such as plastics, rubber, steel, metals and ceramics.
2. Materials World is also available on the web: http://www.materials.co.uk/mwldweb/mwhome.htm