Inventory of the world's latest automotive technology in 2010: body

Volkswagen participates in Fraunhofer snow and fog protection windshield development project

Volkswagen Group announced that it will participate in the Fraunhofer Association for the Promotion of Applied Research's anti-snow and fog windshield development project. The new product uses a conductive ultra-thin (wafer-thin) transparent indium tin oxide (Indium Tin Oxide) coating, which is called Low-E (Low Thermal Emissivity) Coating. It can protect the surface of the car windshield from sudden temperature drops and maintain a certain degree of dryness, fundamentally hindering the formation of ice (effective until the temperature condition of -18 degrees Celsius/0 degrees Fahrenheit).

Volvo develops battery for body panels

Royal College of London and Volvo and other companies and academic institutions jointly developed body panel batteries. The new material uses nanotechnology and its basic structure is two layers of ultra-fine carbon fiber sandwiched with a layer of resin/glass fiber. The body panels can be used in the roof, doors, car speakers and floors, providing high support strength while playing the role of batteries, which is expected to increase the range of electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi RVR crossover front fenders use GTX resin

Mitsubishi Motors' new RVR compact crossover uses SABIC Innovative Plastics' Noryl GTX* resin in its front fenders, which significantly reduces weight by nearly 50 percent while giving the fenders a unique, highly complex structure that differentiates the new model's styling and improves pedestrian safety.

2011 Explorer is made of 85% recycled materials

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Ford's 2011 Explorer has made remarkable achievements in greening its vehicles. Currently, the vehicle uses 85% recyclable materials, including 40% soy polyurethane foam materials for seat cushions and seat backs; 25% recycled fiber materials for seat trims, bolsters and carpets; in addition, the remaining recycled steel from Ford F-150 production is used for the 2011 Explorer's sound insulation fenders/noise reduction panels.

Volkswagen's European Sharan MPV is lengthened and reduced in weight

Volkswagen has unveiled a new design for the European Sharan MPV, which features sliding doors, a slightly longer length and a slightly lighter body. The overall weight reduction for the new Sharan MPV is approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) less than its predecessor, the 1.4-liter turbocharged BlueMotion fuel-efficient version.

Nissan launches "Healthy and Happy" cabin environment concept technology

On July 22, 2010, Nissan Motor Company announced the launch of the "Healthy and Happy" cabin environment concept technology, which aims to create a comfortable in-car environment for drivers and passengers. The technology concept includes three specific new technologies: comfortable seats, advanced in-car climate control system and seat fast heaters.

Yale University develops crisis-sensing driver's seat

A group of engineers led by John Morrell, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Yale University, has developed a crisis-sensing driving seat that helps drivers sense approaching potential dangers by transmitting tactile signals through a seatback vibration motor and cam. The seat will help avoid traffic accidents caused by visual blind spots.

2011 Mazda 2 reduces weight, improves driving performance

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The 2011 Mazda2 is approximately 10% lighter than the previous generation, making it the lightest car in its class. There are two main weight reduction measures: First, the use of new materials and new designs of the vehicle structure make the body lighter and stronger, and every component is carefully inspected to find weight reduction opportunities, which is similar to the "weight control strategy by gram" of the MX-5. Another weight reduction and structural strengthening measure is to improve the welding process.

Porsche trunk lining to be made of thermoplastic composites

The new trunk liner developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Engineering for the Porsche Carrera 4 uses thermoplastic resin transfer molding technology. Compared with the original aluminum part it replaced, the thermoplastic composite part is about 50% lighter.

Opel Insignia adopts AGR certified ventilated seats

The Opel Insignia model will be equipped with ventilated seats certified by the German AGR medical organization. This seat adopts the basic structure of "spine-friendly" design. The backrest is integrated with an electrically controlled four-channel lumbar support, which can be adjusted in shape according to the natural curve of the spine and the customer's personal situation.

Lotus Engineering uses high-strength steel for lightweight body

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Lotus Engineering recently conducted a research trial to replace mild steel with high-strength steel in the BIW (Body in White) manufacturing of the Toyota 2009 Venza crossover car. After using high-strength steel, the weight of the body in white was reduced by 16% and the cost was reduced by 2%.

New Ford Explorer to feature Lear's soy foam technology

Lear Corporation's world-leading SoyFoam™ soy-based polyurethane foam technology will be used in the seat cushions and seat backs of Ford's 2011 Explorer SUV.

Ford uses convex side mirrors to eliminate blind spots

Ford uses convex mirrors to eliminate blind spots. This solution has several advantages. The first is the low cost, which is more popular than the high-cost radar detection system. Secondly, the device is developed and produced by the car manufacturer itself. It is more of a fixed device on the vehicle than an additional device, so it can fit well into the design of the car without disrupting the overall layout.

Renault's factory-fitted swivel seats

Renault has announced factory-fitted front swivel seats for the Clio, which can be rotated 75 degrees to improve entry and exit, and integrate side airbags, anti-submarine airbags and seatbelts.

Royal DSM launches new bio-based plastic

Royal DSM of the Netherlands has launched a thermosetting bio-based resin material called Palapreg ECOP55-01 for automotive body parts, especially sheet molding materials SMC and bulk molding materials BMC used in external instrument panels.