First All-Plastic Front-end Module on Chinese-developed Vehicle Using SABIC Innovative Plastics’ STAMAX® Polypropylene Resin Featured at Shanghai Auto Show

SHANGHAI, China – May 20, 2011 – The first Chinese-developed model vehicle with an all-plastic front-end module (FEM) using SABIC Innovative Plastics’ STAMAX® long glass fiber polypropylene (LGFPP) resin was displayed at the recently concluded 14th annual Shanghai Auto Show. Chang’an Automobile Co., one of China’s largest automakers, featured the all-plastic FEM at the show in a stripped down version of its CX30 model. This major application uses STAMAX LGFPP resin from SABIC Innovative Plastics to replace steel, cutting part weight by up to 40 percent and total vehicle weight by about four kilograms. In addition to weight reduction for improved fuel economy and lower emissions, the all-plastic FEM solution reduces overall system costs for Chang’an by enabling modular assembly for improved efficiency on its production line. This recent work with Chang’an illustrates
SABIC Innovative Plastics’ ability to support automotive OEMs as they strive to develop lighter vehicles for improved fuel economy and lower emissions, while also lowering overall costs.

“We take a great deal of pride in having worked closely with Chang’an to advance both the design and production of the new CX30,” said Lisa Tang, general manager for China, Automotive, SABIC Innovative Plastics. “This project exemplifies the technical competency of our team in China and the ability to apply our expertise to help automotive OEMs innovate and take advantage of opportunities for reduction in both weight and cost by using our STAMAX LGFPP resins.”

In addition to the front-end module – which fully integrates the radiator, headlamps, lock bridges and bumper beams – Chang’an’s CX30 model uses SABIC Innovative Plastics’ Noryl GTX* resin for the fuel-filler door or tank flap. Molding the part from Noryl GTX resin enables it to be painted online along with the rest of the body in white. Typically, the part must be molded and painted by the component supplier, which can potentially cause color mismatches with the body.

Key Development Role

The SABIC Innovative Plastics team delivered comprehensive technical support, training, advanced computer analyses and engineering design services on request to help Chang’an meet its goals.

“We are delighted with the support we received from SABIC Innovative Plastics,” said Wang Xiao, R&D director of interiors and exteriors for Chang’an Automobile. “Drawing on their materials and application leadership and technical know-how, we achieved significant improvements in quality and productivity. Integrating 22 metal components into one injection-molded part has greatly simplified the front-end structure of the CX30 model for lighter weight, easier assembling and overall cost reduction. This leap forward, combined with other advancements, helped us to produce high quality, world-class vehicles that will greatly please our customers.”


Ms. Xiao added: “As a leading Chinese auto brand, Chang’an Automobile continues to invest significant resources in the field of non-metallic materials and in advanced technologies to provide our customers with increasingly innovative and high quality vehicles.”

Growing Demand for STAMAX® LGFPP Resins

More and more automotive OEMs are using STAMAX LGFPP resins in structural applications because the material delivers high-quality performance that can replace steel, reduces weight and lowers system costs. In addition, SABIC Innovative Plastics is able to provide local support with its substantial global reach.

STAMAX LGFPP resin grades support the design of semi-structural automotive applications that combine light weight with functional integration, such as front-end modules, door modules, instrument panel carriers, tailgates and seating systems.

For additional information on SABIC Innovative Plastics’ advanced materials, please go to www.sabic-ip.com or www.sabicautomotive.com. For technical product inquiries, please contact us at www.sabic-ip.com/prtechinquiry.

About SABIC Innovative Plastics
SABIC Innovative Plastics is a leading, global supplier of engineering thermoplastics with an 80-year history of breakthrough solutions that solve its customers’ most pressing challenges. Today, SABIC Innovative Plastics is a multi-billion-dollar company with operations in more than 35 countries and approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. The company continues to lead the plastics industry with customer collaboration and continued investments in new polymer technologies, global application development, process technologies, and environmentally responsible solutions that serve diverse markets such as automotive, electronics, building & construction, transportation, and healthcare. The company’s extensive product portfolio includes thermoplastic resins, coatings, specialty compounds, film, and sheet. SABIC Innovative Plastics (www.sabic-ip.com) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC).
About Saudi Basic Industries Corporation
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) ranks among the world’s top petrochemical companies, and is a global market leader in the production of polyethylene, polypropylene, advanced thermoplastics, glycols, methanol and fertilizers. SABIC manufactures with a global footprint in Saudi Arabia, the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. The company operates in more than 40 countries across the world with 33,000 employees worldwide. It has significant research resources with 18 dedicated Technology & Innovation facilities in Saudi Arabia, the USA, the Netherlands, Spain, India and China. SABIC recorded a net income of SR 21.59 billion(US$ 5.73 billion) in 2010, and sales revenues totaled SR 152 billion (US$ 40.5 billion).

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® STAMAX is a trademark of SABIC Petrochemicals B.V.
* Trademarks of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP B.V.

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This release was published on openPR.