Designability Issues and Emissions Regulations a Growing Priority
DETROIT, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Cost reduction continues to lead the list
of challenges facing automotive engineers, but designability and emissions
regulation issues are quickly rising, according to automotive engineers
responding to the eighth annual DuPont Automotive/SAE survey. Fuel economy
and safety remain in the top five challenges, increasing in urgency over last
year.
Although cost continues to be rated as the top challenge for automotive
engineers, its priority dropped 6 percent compared to 2001 results. Issues
such as designability, which increased 9 percent from last year, and emissions
regulations, which increased 6 percent -- are pushing cost to a lower
priority.
"There is always strong pressure to keep costs down, but this year's
survey also shows that the industry is facing considerable design, fuel
economy and environmental challenges that can only be solved by advancing
technology," said Walter L. Fields III, vice president - Automotive
Engineering Materials, DuPont Automotive during a press briefing at SAE.
This year, more engineers believe the timeline for 42-volt technologies in
North America may be pushed back, but are still optimistic about the prospects
of advanced automotive electronics. Almost half of the respondents believe
the 42-volt battery system will be introduced in this market within the next
10 years. Also, 40 percent of engineers believe hybrid alternative-power
vehicles hold the most promise for mass production in the long term, with 35
percent of engineers predicting fuel cells will be the next most likely
alternative-power vehicle.
"There are more revolutionary innovations waiting to debut on vehicles
than any other time in our industry's history, and 42-volt technology is the
system that will help put many of these technologies on the road," said
Fields. "DuPont is uniquely positioned to support suppliers and automakers in
these 'interesting' times. We are very aware that cost is still a leading
driver, but we also understand the importance of supporting innovation by
creating viable technologies that will keep the industry growing into the
future."
Interest surrounding recycling remains flat over the past two years,
according to the survey results, but proposed international regulations
targeting recycle content could push this issue to the forefront, said Fields.
"Developing sustainable technologies that truly have a positive impact on the
environment and public health and safety while contributing positive economic
results is a pervasive challenge. The solutions revolve around partnership
and choice and require innovation."
DuPont also introduced Composite Recycle Technology, demonstrating the
viability of this new, closed-loop, recycle technology for nylon with a
prototype automotive radiator end tank made of 100-percent recycled, glass
reinforced nylon from a post-consumer radiator end tank.
DuPont Engineering Polymers collaborated closely with DENSO Corp. on the
innovative program. "The global auto industry is challenged to find solutions
to stem landfill growth," said Dr. Bill Hsu, vice president - DuPont
Engineering Polymers, global technology, referring to the fact that 30 percent
of a vehicle today still cannot be economically recycled. "Today's
announcement using our developmental Composite Recycle Technology is one of
many solutions that can emerge when the value chain works together toward the
same objectives."
The Automotive Consulting Group, Ann Arbor, Mich., conducted the DuPont
Automotive survey of automakers and suppliers.
During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific
achievement and innovation -- providing products and services that improve the
lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers
science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives
in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction;
electronics; and transportation.
SOURCE DuPont Automotive
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Related links:
http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news
CONTACT:
Carole Davies of DuPont Automotive,
+1-248-583-8112, Fax: +1-248-583-4556,
carole.a.davies@usa.dupont.com ; or Stephen Lee of Eisbrenner
Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446, Fax: +1-248-641-1445,
slee@eisbrenner.com , for DuPont Automotive
NOTE TO EDITORS: DuPont(TM) is a trademark of E.I. du Pont de
Nemours and Company. To download the survey charts, visit
http://www.dupont.com/automotive/news
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