The Hindu Business Line : M&M to increase usage of alternative materials

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Many auto cos in the world are working on alternative materials and its usage in the production of components and body parts for the vehicle.
Materials like carbon composite are expensive and it will take sometime before one can see it being commercially used.

Mumbai , Oct. 7

Besides alternative fuels and its compatibility study with the automobile, many auto companies in the world are working on alternative materials and its usage in the production of components and body parts for the vehicle.

Indian companies such as Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) are working on it too and plan to have 25-30 per cent of their vehicle range made from alternative materials by 2010. Currently, the company has developed parts that comprise 5-10 per cent of major components and body parts of the vehicle.

Auto Expo

M&M has developed fenders and fender extension assembly (major body parts of the vehicle) out of carbon composite. This material helps to reduce the overall weight of the body part by more than 50 per cent, thus reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The engine guard (covering the engine) developed with laminated steel plate material helps to reduce the noise, vibration and harshness of the vehicle considerably.

Other materials such as the polypropylene-based compound used for the instrument panel and centre console of the vehicle have high scratch resistant properties that increase the durability of the product and retains its shine even after excessive wear and tear of it. These components and body parts were displayed at this year's Auto Expo in New Delhi. The parts were highlighted on the `Scorpio Hybrid' and the `Technology Vehicle' displayed at the exhibition.

According to company officials, some of these alternative materials will be used on the Scorpio production line by mid-2007. Industry sources said that alternative materials are an expensive proposition and only certain composites would be used for commercial purposes. The tests conducted on them are at its nascent stage.

In fact, M&M officials said that materials like carbon composite are expensive and therefore it will take some time before one can see it being commercially used for mass production.

These developments were carried out at the existing R&D centre in Nashik, Maharashtra. The company is upbeat about the materials prowess and hence has surged ahead in the direction of further clinic tests on it. Furthermore, it has announced its plans to develop a new R&D facility in Chennai. The new facility will be spread across 130 acres and is expected to have the latest technology for such prototype developments and testing process.

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