Daimler to set up carbon-fiber parts plant with Toray

Daimler AG doubled down on efforts to develop lightweight carbon-fiber auto-body parts, a burgeoning but costly approach to improving fuel efficiency, as it announced plans to set up a manufacturing venture with Japan’s Toray Industries Inc. The move follows Daimler’s earlier decision to partner with Toray, the world’s biggest supplier of carbon fibers, to develop lightweight carbon-fiber components for Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz cars. The companies plan to start a plant near Daimler’s headquarters outside of Stuttgart, Germany, and will begin mass-producing the parts for Mercedes models in 2012. The joint venture marks the latest leap by a major auto maker into a technology that many in the industry say could be key in slashing the weight of cars, and help meet tougher fuel-economy standards. The joint venture, which will be 50.1% owned by Toray and at least 44.9% by Daimler, initially will produce the components for Mercedes’ SL class of high-performance coupes and roadsters, and eventually for other models as well. Daimler executives said their goal ultimately is to reduce new model weights by up to 10%, either with carbon fiber parts or other technologies. (January 25, 2011)