Recyclability Emerges as Key Priority
DETROIT, March 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Cost still tops the list of challenges
facing the automotive industry, according to the ninth annual DuPont
Automotive/SAE Survey of automotive engineers attending the SAE World Congress
this week in Detroit. Technologies for alternative fuels, emissions
regulations come in a close second and third, according to the results.
The importance of recycling doubled in the eyes of respondents, and
enhanced safety systems and electronic systems are the most valued consumer
technologies.
"Once again, delivering innovation at a price consumers' value is
paramount to the industry," said James R. Weigand, vice president of sales and
development - DuPont Automotive and Engineering Polymers, Americas. "Managing
the total cost of a system or new technology to meet that challenge is key,
and the best strategy is through close collaboration starting at the design
phase. You can see the results of solid collaborative efforts in terms of
sales and genuine customer satisfaction."
Technical challenges surrounding alternative fuels increased 80 percent to
being top of mind on 16 percent of attendees, and emissions regulations
concern remained constant as a paramount issue among 15 percent of attendees.
Recycling also gained priority. Almost half of the attendees say
recycling will be a higher priority over the next five years, up from only 28
percent in 2002.
"These issues speak to our industry's growing move to improve our
environmental footprint as we deliver sustainable solutions," said Weigand.
"In the past few years, we've made great strides with our partners in the
value chain on technologies to help prepare the industry to meet evaporative
emission regulations and recycle-content regulations. The challenge for us
all is to forge partnerships with clear goals as a means of ensuring these
solutions are economically sustainable as well."
Safety a Key Issue with Consumers
Survey respondents believe the majority of consumers rate safety as the
top priority in choosing a vehicle. In ranking specific safety technology,
smart air bags are expected to get the most attention and resources from
automotive OEMs and suppliers. Next highest priority will be vehicle
dynamics/stability control technologies, followed by active seatbelts,
advanced occupant sensors and drive-by-wire systems that improve vehicle
handling.
"Safety is a core value for DuPont. We are deeply committed across all
our businesses and product lines to improving vehicle safety," said Craig
Naylor, group vice president - DuPont Performance Materials. "Our newly
launched DuPont Automotive Safety Systems business harnesses our polymer
science, processing and design/technical resources with the industry's most
complete material portfolio to help save lives and reduce automotive-related
injuries." (For more information see the related press release "DuPont
Unveils New Corporate Safety Initiative.")
In addition to improved safety, the survey results show the industry
believes consumers are expected to demand greater convenience features, such
as telematics and navigation systems. The survey also shows respondents
believe consumers are still hungry for more automotive entertainment
technologies. As the demand for vehicle electronics increases, respondents
see a steady growth in the need for more electrical power, such as 42-volt
systems.
"Our comprehensive materials portfolio packaged with the technological
capabilities of our Advanced Automotive Electrical and Electronics (AAEE)
business will streamline our ability to deliver solutions enabling a range of
technologies that improve fuel economy, emissions, safety, comfort and
convenience," said James R. Hay, director - DuPont Advanced Automotive
Electrical and Electronics venture. "Our materials already benefit key
systems that drive Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and 42-volt vehicles,
including Integrated Starter-Alternators (ISA), electric water pumps and
energy storage systems."
To further expand its portfolio of materials for AAEE applications, DuPont
Engineering Polymers acquired the high-performance crystalline plastics
business from Eastman Chemical Co. (For more information see "DuPont
Engineering Polymers Acquires an Eastman Plastics Business.") The acquisition
includes Eastman's Titan(R) LCP, a liquid crystal polymer; Thermx(R) PCT, a
family of polycyclohexylene dimethyl terephthalate products; and Thermx(R) EG
series of reinforced PET thermoplastic polyester resins.
The Automotive Consulting Group, Ann Arbor, Mich., conducted the DuPont
Automotive/SAE survey of automakers, suppliers planning to attend the 2003 SAE
World Congress.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work
by solving problems and creating solutions that make people's lives better,
safer and easier. Operating in more than 70 countries, the company offers a
wide range of products and services to markets including agriculture,
nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and
construction, transportation and apparel.
Titan(R) and Thermx(R) are registered trademarks of E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company.
SOURCE DuPont
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Related links:
http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news
CONTACT:
Carole Davies of DuPont Engineering Polymers,
+1-248-583-8112, Fax: +1-248-583-4556,
Carole.a.davies@usa.dupont.com ; or Keena Toth of Eisbrenner
Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446, Fax: +1-248-641-1445,
ktoth@eisbrenner.com , for DuPont
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at Eisbrenner Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446 or
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visit our news section at: http://www.dupont.com/automotive .
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