A basic compact car, targeted for emerging markets in Asia, features a lightweight injection-moulded thermoplastic body bonded and bolted onto a tubular steel chassis. The 1200-pound CCV (Composite Concept Vehivle) from Chrysler Corp., Auburn Hills, MI, is expected to require one-third the labor and investment needed to build a conventional small car. It is designed for China, India, and Southeast Asia. In its current configuration, it is a four-door sedan with a roll-up canvas top and rear hatch. It has an unpainted matte-finish surface. Powered by a two-cylinder, 0.8-liter Briggs and Stratton engine (a modified generator-set power plant), the car gets 50 miles per gallon and can reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour. Four large composite sections are fitted and bonded together. The use of new molding techniques and molding control systems allows these large structural parts to be fabricated in giant molds. Steel is only used in the chassis/frame. Fast start-up in developing nations is made possible, also due to reduced tooling and manufacturing-plant space requirements. The high-impact-resistance modified PET resin is similar to those used in the manufacture of beverage bottles. So recycled plastic-bottle material (up to 20-30 %)may be used in combination with virgin plastic. PET plastic can be repaired relatively easily using basic skills. The project drove the engineers, who normally design high-tech cars, to rethink the entire car-design process from the ground up. Commercialization will take place no earlier than 2000.
Plastic cars for developing nations
Mechanical Engineering ; 119 , 11 ; 76-78
1997
3 Seiten, 2 Bilder
Article (Journal)
English
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