China’s carmakers and global resin suppliers form “lightweight” technology alliance

A technology alliance was formed by a group of global resin suppliers and Chinese automobile companies; the alliance has a three-fold agenda: to increase the amount of plastic used in cars made in China, close the gap with global auto companies and boost fuel efficiency of domestic vehicles.
Called “The International Auto Lightweight Technology Alliance,” the group is composed of global plastics raw material makers Rhodia SA, DSM NV and Arkema SA and major domestic Chinese carmakers Chang’an Automobile Group Co. Ltd., Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. and Beiqi Foton Motor Co. Ltd.
Although the alliance’s detailed agenda is still being worked out, its members see big opportunities because Chinese economy cars use only about 110 pounds of plastic parts on average, compared to the 286 to 296 pounds per unit in the U.S., Europe and Japan. (December 10, 2012)