Mar. 17, 2014 9:10 am
Logout|My Dashboard

How automotive technology lightens the burden on drivers' budgets

Font Size:
Default font size
Larger font size

Posted: Sunday, April 15, 2012 8:00 pm

(ARA) - Now more than ever, car buyers are focused on fuel efficiency. At the same time, they have demonstrated no desire to sacrifice performance, safety and style.

To satisfy car buyers' tastes, automakers have been busily developing ways to squeeze more miles out of a gallon of gas. In addition to better engine design, an often overlooked transformation has led to increased fuel efficiency: more and more, automakers are replacing heavier materials with lighter-weight plastics.



Flexibility, transparency, strength, lower weight - a wide range of properties led the automakers' shift toward plastics. And the development of advanced plastics with special properties - such as shatter-, heat-, and corrosion-resistance - is leading to even greater inroads in vehicles. For example, polycarbonate plastic is emerging as an alternative to glass. Nearly unbreakable, this plastic has long been used in race cars because it's less likely to shatter in a crash, and it also reduces the weight of the car to help improve speed. Some carmakers today use polycarbonate for sunroofs and other windows to shave off unneeded pounds.


Some automakers are taking further steps toward sustainability by using recycled plastics in their vehicles. For example, one major automaker is recycling an estimated 2 million plastic bottles into fabric for car upholstery. Car designers also have begun using plastics sourced partially from plants, such as the plastic foam in some seat cushions.

With federal regulations requiring an increase in fuel economy to nearly 55 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by 2025, automakers must continue to seek ways to do more with less. More technological advancements, more safety features, more fuel efficiency. And less weight. To meet these goals, many experts predict even wider-scale adoption of plastics in future models - including plastic composites in the chassis and engine - leading to ultra-lightweight cars with better gas mileage and lower emissions than ever before. That's good news for the car owner's wallet and the environment. For more on the use of plastics in automobiles, visit

Rules of Conduct


Welcome to the discussion.