The International Auto Lightweight Technology Alliance, as reported by Plastic News, was announced at a conference in Hebei province in late November and will include plastic manufacturers Rhodia SA, DSM NV and Arkema SA and Chinese car-makers Chang’an Automobile Group, Geely Holding Group and Beiqi Foton Motor Company.
The companies hope that the alliance will help them to increase the amount of plastic used in their cars, close the gap with some of the world’s largest car manufacturers and also boost fuel efficiency of domestic vehicles.
At the moment Chinese cars use around 50 kilograms of plastic in parts compared to 130 to 180 kilograms per vehicle in the US, Western Europe and Japan. Chinese companies tend to use more metal in parts which makes them heavier and less fuel efficient.
The alliance is being organised by the Shanghai-based Sino-European Union Chemical Manufacturers Association, and its Auto Plastic and Innovative Materials Committee, which will provide administrative support.
But there will be challenges ahead including recruiting more tier one suppliers into the alliance as well as determining the deliverables.
APIMC Chairman Jean-Claude Steinmetz, vice president of automotive for French resin supplier Rhodia SA, told Plastic News that, “Out of the discussion the last two days, we really have to pinpoint down the key deliverables for the next six months on definite projects.
“The process should be started and well engaged in six months.”
