For the automotive industry, the potential for applications of plastics and other non-metallic materials is enormous. These materials not only help to achieve light weight, improve energy efficiency in the car's production process and life cycle, but also provide better comfort.
In order to further promote the application of non-metallic materials and solutions in automobiles, China Automotive Lightweight Non-Metallic Materials Industry Alliance was formally established in Xi'an today, and German material manufacturer Covestro was honored to be one of its founding members.
The alliance consists of dozens of member companies, including material manufacturers, vehicle and component manufacturers and research institutions. Covestro is one of the founding members of two foreign companies. With the support of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, The alliance was initiated by the China Synthetic Resin Supply and Marketing Association and the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Zheng Hao, president of China Synthetic Resin Supply and Marketing Association, said: 'Although metal materials have always dominated the automotive industry, we hope that members of this new alliance can jointly promote the use of other innovative materials in automobiles. US, European and Japanese cars The industry has used a lot of non-metallic materials, which is the global development trend of the automotive industry, especially in the era of electric vehicles. With the official establishment of the automotive lightweight non-metallic materials industry alliance, we hope that China can also follow the trend.
On November 2, 2018, Qiu Weihui (first from right), Vice President of China's Polycarbonate Business Unit, together with representatives of other founding members, witnessed the automotive lightweight non-metallic materials industry.
High-performance materials that look to the future of transportation
Covestro's high-performance polymer products have been widely used in the automotive industry to reduce the weight of automobiles by replacing metals and other materials.
In addition, they offer outstanding design freedom, making the production process more efficient and enhancing comfort.
For example: Polyurethane foam for vehicle seats and interiors provides a soft touch; polycarbonate can be used in place of glass for panoramic sunroofs or other windows; Covestro can also be used in battery enclosures or to ensure smooth 5G signal The material supports the development of new transportation concepts such as electric cars and autonomous driving.
Qiu Weihui, Vice President of China's Polycarbonate Business Unit, said: 'The automotive industry is undergoing tremendous changes. Covestro can provide appropriate material solutions to meet the new needs of the automotive industry. We are willing to share in the field of non-metallic materials. Expertise, through the new non-metallic materials industry alliance, we will be able to make greater contributions to the development of China's largest automotive market.'
For decades, Covestro has been a close partner in the automotive industry. From the first all-plastic body car in 1967 to the new concept car at the 2016 German International Plastics and Rubber Exhibition (K), Coase Chuang constantly proves that it has been at the forefront of innovation.
With the deepening of the automotive industry's transformation, Covestro will continue to provide materials and expertise for the development of the industry. The automotive lightweight non-metallic materials industry alliance will also become an important part of the development of China's automotive industry.