Driving Plastics Forward - Another Mile (stone) Towards the all Plastic Car

The first Chinese-developed model vehicle with an all-plastic front-end module (FEM) using a long glass fibre polypropylene (LGFPP) resin was displayed recently at the annual Shanghai Auto Show.

Chang’an Automobile Co., one of China’s largest automakers, featured the all-plastic FEM at the show in a stripped down version of its CX30 model. This major application uses innovative plastics to replace steel, cutting the part weight by up to 40 percent and total vehicle weight by about four kilograms. In addition to weight reduction for improved fuel economy and lower emissions, the all-plastic FEM solution reduces overall system costs by enabling modular assembly for improved efficiency on the production line.

In addition to the front-end module – which fully integrates the radiator, headlamps, lock bridges and bumper beams – The CX30 model uses polymer grades suitable for the fuel-filler door or tank flap. Moulding the part from these specially formulated resins enables the parts to be painted online along with the rest of the body in white. Typically, the part must be moulded and painted by the component supplier, which can potentially cause colour mismatches with the body.

Key Development Role

“We are delighted with the support we received from SABIC Innovative Plastics,” said Wang Xiao, R&D director of interiors and exteriors for Chang’an Automobile. “Drawing on their materials and application leadership and technical know-how, we achieved significant improvements in quality and productivity. Integrating 22 metal components into one injection-moulded part has greatly simplified the front-end structure of the CX30 model for lighter weight, easier assembling and overall cost reduction. This leap forward, combined with other advancements, helped us to produce high quality, world-class vehicles that will greatly please our customers.” Ms. Xiao added: “….. Chang’an Automobile continues to invest significant resources in the field of non-metallic materials and in advanced technologies to provide our customers with increasingly innovative and high quality vehicles.”

Sabic’s STAMAX LGFPP resin grades support the design of semi-structural automotive applications that combine light weight with functional integration, such as front-end modules, door modules, instrument panel carriers, tailgates and seating systems. The resin supplier gave comprehensive technical support, training, advanced computer analyses and engineering design services on request to help Chang’an meet its goals.


For additional information on SABIC Innovative Plastics’ advanced materials, please go to www.sabic-ip.com or www.sabicautomotive.com