Ford's first crossover SUV employs SABIC IP's Noryl GTX resin for fenders

11-Dec-08

Ford Kuga, Ford's first entry into the crossover segment is the first Ford-branded vehicle on the road with plastic fenders molded from SABIC Innovative Plastics' lightweight, impact-resistant, and recyclable Noryl GTX resin. The same car features the automaker's first production energy absorber for pedestrian protection, molded of tough, lightweight, Xenoy* resin. Noryl GTX blends polyamide (PA) and modified polyphenylene ether (PPE) polymer technologies, combining the dimensional stability, low-water absorption, and heat resistance of PPE with the chemical resistance and flow of PA. SABIC IP's high-tech materials helped Ford trim down the weight of the Kuga to boost fuel economy and reduce emissions. Manufacturing the front fenders from Noryl GTX resin cut the Kuga's weight by 2 kg compared to steel while enabling greater design freedom. As an alternative to steel, the resin can withstand the high temperatures required during the painting process, enabling Ford to utilize its normal on-line body painting process without special handling.