BASF Drives Lightweight Innovation in Toyota Sienna: Achieving Vehicle Weight Reduction and Cost Optimization
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- hoey
- Issue Time
- Aug 15,2024
Summary
BASF helped create lightweight parts for the new Toyota Sienna, reducing weight by 30% and costs by 15%. This partnership improved production and reinforced BASF's role in automotive lightweighting.
BASF Develops Lightweight Components for New Toyota Sienna
BASF played a key role in the development of lightweight components for the new generation of the Toyota Sienna, utilizing its exclusive 35% glass fiber-reinforced, impact-modified polyamide PA6 product—Ultramid® B3ZG7 CR—and its proprietary Ultrasim® computer simulation tool. This collaboration resulted in the co-development of the first lightweight, independent third-row seat back.
Innovation Achieves 30% Weight Reduction and 15% Cost Savings
This innovation successfully helped Toyota achieve its goals of a 30% reduction in vehicle weight and a 15% reduction in costs. The application of this component not only reduced the overall weight of the 2021 Toyota Sienna but also earned it the prestigious "Altair Enlighten Award" for automotive lightweighting.
BASF Expertise Simplifies Production Process and Reduces Costs
In this project, BASF's expertise enabled Toyota to meet its lightweighting goals while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Todd Muck from Toyota's R&D Center remarked that BASF's solution not only met all performance standards but also significantly simplified the production process, avoiding the complexities and high costs associated with traditional metal-reinforced automotive seats.
Milestone Collaboration Strengthens BASF’s Leadership in Automotive Lightweighting
This collaboration marks another milestone for BASF in the field of automotive lightweighting, further solidifying its position as an industry-leading supplier of innovative materials.