Evonik demonstrates technical expertise in automotive at FISITA 2012

• Roewe E50 prototype of SAIC at the Evonik booth
• Other exhibits demonstrate Evonik’s solutions for Fuel Savings, Lightweight Design and Surface Technologies
• Evonik contributes to energy efficiency for new generation vehicles and individual mobility
• Booth number: B2-3, China National Convention Center, Beijing, November 27-29, 2012

Evonik Industries will display a wide range of automotive applications at the FISITA 2012 World Automotive Congress & Exhibition (FISITA 2012) from November 27 to 29 in Beijing. Evonik’s exhibits will also highlight solutions for new energy vehicles, which particularly cater to the market trends and needs of Chinese automotive industry.

The Chinese automotive industry has witnessed dramatic growth over the past years. However, global challenges like energy shortage, environmental protection, road safety, urbanization and ageing of the population all pose substantial challenges to the Chinese automotive industry, but also become drivers for the innovation of automotive market. Major Chinese OEMs have already developed key technologies on their own for the next generation vehicles. As a global leader of specialty chemicals, Evonik maintains close contact with the OEMs, in order to further product development and to create custom solutions for the new demands of the domestic market.

Roewe E50 prototype from Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) –Evonik Lightweight design technologies applied

The SAIC Roewe E50 is a "zero emission" pure electric vehicle with many advanced technologies integrated. The car achieves a top speed of 130km/h and can be driven for a total of 180 km on one charge. As the first mass production electric vehicle based on a brand new platform in China, SAIC Roewe E50 has been officially launched in the market on the 5th of November.
The prototype vehicle presented at the booth underscores the benefits of lightweight design solutions from Evonik. It features lightweight materials for various applications to support reduced energy consumption and lower emissions, such as PLEXIGLAS® material for the fixed side screens, rear window and rearlight cover, as well as ROHACELL® rigid core material and an epoxy resin formulation based on VESTAMIN® hardener technology for the engine hood. The applied vacuum infusion process based on VESTAMIN® hardener technology enables precision manufacturing of plastic components 

Further innovative technologies for automotive manufacturing

In addition to these in-vehicle demonstrations, visitors to Evonik’s exhibit will experience innovative technologies from three key innovation clusters, including Lightweight Design, Fuel Savings and Surface Technologies, which demonstrate Evonik’s broad product portfolio for automotive manufacturing.

- Lightweight Design

Compared to a charge air duct of metal, the plastic version with VESTAMID® HTplus material weighs only half as much and optimizes the airflow and engine performance. VESTAMID® HTplus has been specially developed as a substitute for metal in classic metal applications on vehicles. It is stable at high temperatures and can offer an excellent price-performance ratio.

Hybrid (Metal-Plastic) structural parts made with the VESTAMELT® copolyamide adhesion promoter can support higher loads compared to hybrid parts without adhesive. They are lighter while fulfilling the same level of requirements. Components using the VESTAMELT® adhesive promoter have a high degree of chemical resistance, are capable of withstanding heat and mechanical stress and can be welded to the vehicle structure.

- Fuel Savings

VISCOPLEX® and VISCOBASE® are the lubricant additive and synthetic base oil brands from Evonik that, as components of innovative, high-performance engine and transmission oils, contribute to a significant reduction of friction within the engine. This leads to measurable improvement in performance as well as lower fuel consumption. The result is a formulated oil that is as easy on the environment as it is on the purse, since lower fuel consumption means less CO2 emissions.

-Surface Technologies

PLEXIGLAS® Hi-Gloss molding compounds are the preferred materials for manufacturing non-transparent add-on automobile body parts. Some of the outstanding properties are the weather resistance throughout the car’s life cycle, the robust, high-gloss surface (Class A) from which any minor scratches can be easily polished away and the economical processing, because no subsequent coating or painting is required.

Detailed information on Evonik’s products and innovations for the automotive industry is available at www.evonik.com/automotive