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Magna and Ford developing prototype carbon fiber composite subframe; mass reduction of 34%

Green Car Congress

In pursuit of lower vehicle weight to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, Magna International Inc., in cooperation with Ford Motor Company, developed a prototype carbon fiber composite subframe which reduces mass by 34% compared to making a stamped steel equivalent.

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Carbon Fiber In Cars: More Energy To Make, Lower Lifetime Emissions

Green Car Reports

While its light weight helps raise fuel economy in vehicles, carbon fiber has its critics. Recently, BMW defended the carbon footprint of carbon fiber in a recent WardsAuto article. An often-long supply chain has led some to question the material''s environmental benefit.

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Ford introduces Lightweight Concept vehicle to showcase ongoing light-weighting and advanced materials work; nearly 25% weight reduction

Green Car Congress

Consumers today want better fuel efficiency, but they also want more technology and features in the car, which usually adds weight to the vehicle. Advanced lightweight materials incorporated in the concept car include aluminum and advanced high-strength steel, magnesium and carbon fiber. 19” by 5” carbon fiber wheels.

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Shell/AirFlow Starship hyper-fuel efficient Class 8 truck to make cross-country run

Green Car Congress

Shell has partnered with the Airflow Truck Company to collaborate on a hyper-aerodynamic, fuel-efficient Class 8 concept truck: Starship. This next-generation concept truck features a custom, aerodynamic design and aims to demonstrate improvements in fuel economy for Class 8 trucks. and ending in Jacksonville, Fla.

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GM CEO outlines highlights of fuel economy plan through MY2016: lightweighting; more efficient gasoline and clean diesel engines, electrification

Green Car Congress

Within his talk about the need for a US energy policy at the IHS CERAWeek 2013 energy conference in Houston, GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson outlined some highlights of the company’s fuel economy plan through the 2016 model year. A good rule of thumb is that a 10% reduction in curb weight will reduce fuel consumption by about 6.5%.

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DOE selects 7 projects for up to $21.75M in funding to develop stronger and lighter materials for cars and trucks

Green Car Congress

These projects include the development and validation of modeling tools to deliver higher performing carbon fiber composites and advanced steels, as well as research into new lightweight, high-strength alloys for energy-efficient vehicle and truck engines. Fiber Thermoplastic Composites. carbon fiber thermoplastic composites.

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Faurecia using flax-based composite in Urban Liftgate demonstrator

Green Car Congress

Among the innovations is the use of a new type of composite made of natural flax fibers instead of carbon. The flax-fiber composite provides a weight savings of around 45% Gillard said—in the ballpark of the estimated 50% weight savings from carbon fiber. —Laurent Gillard.