Car makers are shaving weight from their vehicles to meet new fuel-efficiency rules.So far, aluminum and high-strength steel dominate the effort. But composites — plastics — are gaining. They’re stronger and lighter than metals, and can be quickly formed into complex shapes for better design and easier assembly.
They’re already used in instrument panels, trim and other parts that don’t bear loads.
Car makers are shaving weight from their vehicles to meet new fuel-efficiency rules.So far, aluminum and high-strength steel dominate the effort. But composites — plastics — are gaining. They’re stronger and lighter than metals, and can be quickly formed into complex shapes for better design and easier assembly. They’re already used in instrument panels, trim and other parts that don’t bear loads.
Nov 20, 2012