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Vehicle Lightweighting with Plastics Still Critical to Safety, Performance and Consumer Preference

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Matthew Kastner
CONTACT US

WASHINGTON (April 3, 2018) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency yesterday announced completion of its Midterm Evaluation for greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks (model years 2022 to 2025), which determined that current standards are not appropriate and should be revised. The American Chemistry Council (ACC) issued the following statement, which may be attributed to Steve Russell, vice president of ACC’s Plastics Division:

“America’s plastics makers will continue to assist regulators and the automotive value chain by serving as advanced lightweight plastic and composite material experts during the upcoming rulemaking process.

Advanced plastic and composite materials will remain an essential means to economically enhance vehicle safety features, reduce vehicle related injuries and fatalities, and optimize performance and consumer preference through design flexibility.

And looking to the future, autonomous and connected vehicles will increasingly rely on lightweight, high-strength plastics and composites. Strong, lightweight plastics and composites enable innovative vehicle design while helping to offset the heavy equipment needed for self-driving vehicles, providing excellent energy absorption, boosting vehicle performance, and saving consumers money at the pump.

We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the automotive value chain as we continue to develop lightweight solutions that enable self-driving and connected vehicles while enhancing both occupant safety and fuel economy.”

American Chemistry Council

The American Chemistry Council’s mission is to advocate for the people, policy, and products of chemistry that make the United States the global leader in innovation and manufacturing. To achieve this, we: Champion science-based policy solutions across all levels of government; Drive continuous performance improvement to protect employees and communities through Responsible Care®; Foster the development of sustainability practices throughout ACC member companies; and Communicate authentically with communities about challenges and solutions for a safer, healthier and more sustainable way of life. Our vision is a world made better by chemistry, where people live happier, healthier, and more prosperous lives, safely and sustainably—for generations to come.