In a bid to secure significant weight reduction, Mazda has jointly developed a resin material for vehicle parts that offers the same rigidity as ordinary, conventional materials.
Having teamed up with Japan Polypropylene Corporation, the material ensures that the parts manufactured are thinner than those with conventional resin and results in a significant reduction in the resin needed to manufacture parts.
When used in front and rear bumpers, the material reduces weight by around 20 per cent – with the reduced thickness also allowing for a shorter cooling period for moulding. The bumpers’ weight has a major impact on fuel economy as well as being a vital component in the event of a collision.
Now Mazda hopes to offer the lightest bumpers in its class when it introduces the resin material as part of the all-new Mazda CX-5 SUV. The vehicle is scheduled to go on sale this spring.
