GM, Teijin to develop lightweight auto materials

General Motors Co. (GM) signed a deal with Japan’s Teijin Ltd. to develop advanced, lightweight composites for GM vehicles. The joint venture is expected to result in the greater use of lighter carbon fiber composites, which will reduce the weight of vehicles and increase fuel efficiency. Teijin’s carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic technology will be used in GM plants and as part of the agreement, Teijin will operate a technical center in the United States in 2012. (December 9, 2011)