Ann Arbor, Michigan -- The US Centre for Automotive Research (CAR) has launched the Coalition of Automotive Lightweighting Materials (CALM) to support efforts by auto manufacturers to aggressively down-weight vehicles to improve performance, fuel economy and safety.
CALM aims to combine the strengths and knowledge of the plastics, polyurethane, and metals industries with technology providers in design, in order to accelerate the implementation of mixed-material solutions that will reduce vehicle mass.
The American Chemistry Council and the Aluminum Association's aluminium transport Group, both support CALM. Combined, the two organisations represent a membership of more than 200 companies, CALM said in a 31 Jan news release.
"Lightweight materials are one of the key technologies needed to produce more fuel efficient cars for the 21st century. Partnerships like CALM will help automotive companies utilise plastics, composites and other lightweight materials to meet these goals." said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics at the American Chemistry Council.
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