Survey: Advanced Materials are Critical to Reduce Dependence on Fossil Fuels

Advanced materials will play an increasingly important role helping the auto industry resolve fuel economy and emissions challenges. That’s what 95% of design engineers said when surveyed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and DuPont. Also critical, say 52% of respondents, is the ability to collaborate throughout the value chain and a stronger focus on the consumer. More than 500 SAE members responded to the survey.

“This is a pivotal time in the automotive industry that will test the value chain’s collaborative ability to quickly fuel science-powered innovations that meet consumer demands,” said Diane Gulyas, president, DuPont Performance Polymers.

“Fuel economy and emissions regulations challenge the design of practically every vehicle system, making materials and science-powered innovation integral to design,” Diane said, adding that DuPont has advanced materials and aggressive R&D programs in each area.

“Rising fuel costs and regulatory requirements drive weight reduction and the urgent need for cost-effective, high-performance composites and plastics,” said Diane. “Using plastics just in known engine applications for all the 70 million light vehicle engines slated to be build this year, we could eliminate the need for 240 million gallons of fuel -- or 9 million barrels of crude oil used for transportation. Collaboration will fuel the science-powered innovation needed to drive the materials revolution the industry has been asking for.”