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Automobile industry

General Motors Wins Innovation Award for Rapid Adoption of DuPont Lightweight Plastic

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

General Motors' swift adoption of a new lightweight plastic from DuPont has earned the company a significant innovation award from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE). The new DuPont Zytel PLUS nylon was introduced 90 days prior to General Motors' use of it in an engine-appearance and acoustic cover on the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo powering Cadillac CTS vehicles. This achievement showcases the critical role of collaboration and materials expertise in accelerating cost-effective innovation in the automotive industry.

Key Takeaways:

  • General Motors won the "Most Innovative Use of Plastics Award" from the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) for adopting DuPont's new lightweight plastic, Zytel PLUS nylon, to use in an engine-appearance and acoustic cover on the Ecotec 2.0-liter Turbo powering Cadillac CTS vehicles.
  • The adoption was made within 90 days after the introduction of the new material, demonstrating the potential for rapid innovation in the industry.
  • Nearly 70 percent of new small- and mid-sized engines scheduled to be launched between now and 2016 will use charged air induction to boost performance, according to IHS Automotive.
  • DuPont's Zytel PLUS nylon provides long-term protection against aggressive environments, such as hot temperatures, without adding cost or complexity, making it an ideal material for turbo-charged engines.
  • The new material is based on DuPont's SHIELD Technology, which can double the life of a component by providing long-term protection against hot temperatures, impact after aging, and other challenging environmental conditions.
  • The award-winning engine-appearance and acoustic cover is molded by Camoplast Polymer Solutions, Richmond, Quebec, Canada.

Statistics:

  • 90 days: The time frame within which General Motors adopted DuPont's new lightweight plastic, Zytel PLUS nylon, after its introduction.
  • Nearly 70 percent: The percentage of new small- and mid-sized engines scheduled to be launched between now and 2016 that will use charged air induction to boost performance, according to IHS Automotive.
  • 2016: The year by which nearly 70 percent of new small- and mid-sized engines are scheduled to be launched with charged air induction.
  • 180 C: The temperature above which Zytel PLUS nylon retains its mechanical properties and surface appearance, despite long-term exposure.
  • 230 C: The highest temperature at which the new Zytel PLUS nylon polymers can withstand hot oil, calcium chloride, impact after aging, and other challenging environmental conditions.

Sources:

  • Vocus, November 11, 2010
  • The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE)
  • IHS Automotive, Englewood, Colo.
  • DuPont (http://www.dupont.com)
  • Camoplast Polymer Solutions, Richmond, Quebec, Canada

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