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The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Division has honored two automotive components that use DuPont Engineering Polymers with the association’s 2008 “Most Innovative Use of Plastics” awards at last night’s ceremony in Livonia, Mich.

Daimler was given top honors in the powertrain/chassis category for the world’s first commercial-volume polymer oil pan module, which was developed with Bruss and DuPont Automotive using DuPont™ Zytel® nylon. Ford was named finalist in the powertrain/chassis category for an innovative “capless” fuel filler system for the 2008 Ford Flex, Escape, F150, Expedition and Lincoln MKS vehicles, which was developed with Martinrea and DuPont Automotive using DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA.

The oil pan for Daimler’s new 4-cylinder diesel engine (OM651), which powers Mercedes-Benz C Class vehicles, consists of a die-cast aluminum upper shell and a multifunctional lower shell, reducing overall weight by a significant 1.1 kilograms (vs. an all-aluminum design) for fuel savings and lower CO2 emissions.

The Ford “capless” fuel filler system not only delights consumers, who “dislike” the refueling process, but is compatible with biofuels and supports the compliance of Ford’s vehicles to all California Low Emission Vehicle (LEV II or PZEV) requirements. Importantly, this system could further reduce emissions relative to capped systems because the fuel neck isn’t opened until the fuel pump nozzle is inserted. When capless fueling is completed, the nozzle is removed and the system seals shut automatically, helping to minimize evaporative emissions.

“The challenge to reduce weight for fuel savings and emissions reductions drives many companies to rethink design and manufacture of system components, such as those honored by SPE,” said Karla Butler, marketing and development director for the Americas, DuPont Automotive Performance Materials. “Automakers are looking for new materials and technology to help improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions without compromising system performance. DuPont’s science and R&D capabilities help enable collaboration that can bring these new developments to market faster and more cost-effectively.”

DuPont Automotive Performance Materials specializes in application development, operating globally and using a broad range of high-performance materials and technology to help customers reduce weight and cost while improving performance of components and systems in powertrain, driveline, chassis, fuel, electrical/electronic and interior/exterior vehicle systems.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

11/21/08

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Caption: Daimler won the SPE Automotive Division “Most Innovative Use of Plastics” award in the powertrain/chassis category for the world’s first commercial-volume polymer oil pan module, manufactured by Bruss and made with DuPont™ Zytel® nylon.

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Caption: Ford was named finalist in the SPE Automotive Division “Most Innovative Use of Plastics” award in the powertrain/chassis category for an innovative “capless” fuel filler system on the 2008 Ford Flex, Escape, F150, Expedition and Lincoln MKS vehicles, developed with Martinrea and DuPont Automotive using DuPont™ Zytel® HTN PPA.

Editor Note: SPE’s Automotive Innovation Awards program is the oldest and largest competition of its kind in the automotive and plastics industries. Dozens of teams made up of OEMs, tier suppliers, and polymer producers submit nominations describing their part, system, or complete vehicle module and why it merits the claim as Year’s Most Innovative Use of Plastics. Applications must be on a commercially available vehicle by November 1st of the year in which a nomination is submitted.

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