A.R.E. Inc
Manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps and lids (flat covers). Complete product line descriptions with pictures. AeroVironment
Manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles. To reduce weight, most of these vehicles make extensive use of composites. Unfortunately, the site provide no technical info.
Automotive Applications in Japan
Opportunities for the use of composites in autos worldwide. A bit dated (1994) but still interesting. Mini case-studies such as drive shafts, panels, springs, and fuel tanks. BAT International
BAT's subsidiaries are involved in a wide range of energy technologies. Composite chassis are mentioned as a key technology, but there are no details on the Web site. Cost Effectiveness
A study of what is needed to make the use of composites in cars cost effective. Defines cost effectiveness; examines types of structures and materials. References. Crash Tests
A 1996 test showed composite front-ends designed for mass-production can pass crash tests. Good article with technical and manufacturing details. Driveshafts
A technical paper discussing the use of composites in driveshafts. Covers materials, manufacturing methods, load analysis, and applications. References. Fracture Testing and Analysis
Oak Ridge Nat'l Lab and ACC are developing standard test methods to characterize the behavior of adhesive joints in auto structures. Brief overview of project and accomplishments. G.R.P Fiberglass
Manufacturer of fiberglass truck caps and trailers. A few pictures and brief descriptions. Other fiberglass products listed but no descriptions. Hypercar Center
A hypercar is a conceptual vehicle that combines an ultralight design with hybrid fuels. A good amount of info about the use of composites. FAQ has additional info and is easier to navigate. Imoto Automotive Concepts
Manufacturer of composite accessories from glass spoilers to Kevlar plug covers to carbon hoods. Interesting product photos and descriptions, plus a "Learn about Composites" section. Lightweight Materials
Over 40 articles from USCAR covering the use of composites in automobiles. Wide range of topics. Quality is good, but there isn't a lot of technical detail. Lincoln Navigator SMC Hood
Ford chose SMC for the Lincoln Navigator hood, saving 10-40% in cost and 25% in weight compared to steel. Design flexibility was only a secondary consideration. Lola Cars International
Manufacturer of racing cars. Site has brief descriptions of the cars, many of which have composite bodies. One page describes the composite manufacturing facility. MAZDATRIX
Fiberglass exterior accessories for the Mazda RX7. Pictures of the parts and full price list. All fiberglass parts shipped with white or gray gel coat. McLaren
McLaren makes Formula 1 cars with composite bodies. This article has some information about the manufacturing process. Check out the home page for more info about McLaren. ORNL Transportation Technologies
Describes work being done at Oak Ridge National Lab related to transportation. The Lightweight Materials Program is developing composites and other new materials. PEEK Auto Components
PEEK polymers are able to replace metal in some auto components. The polymer properties are described, and a few sample products are shown. A Practical Road to Lightweight Cars
This article from Technology Review discusses the obstacles to cutting the weight of cars. Good economic analysis of the pros and cons. Reinventing the Wheels
A fairly lengthy paper describing the arguments in support of ultralight cars, or "Hypercars." Technical arguments, case studies of existing composite cars, and a market study. Solectria
Manufacturer of electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell cars, including kits. Engineering section describes Diaphorm preform method for manufacturing composite bodies. Spinning-Composites
Manufacturer of composite drive shafts and flexible couplings. Good pictures and product information, plus a couple of PDF papers. Affiliated with GKN in the UK. Thermoplastic Composites in the Auto Industry
Industry report from RAPRA. Web page gives a summary of the book and lists the table of contents. £255. Trident HEV
Manufacturer of the Triton hybrid electriv vehicle (HEV). The body is composite, but there are no details about that part of the vehicle. Vette Brakes & Products (VB&P)
Manufacturer of brake, suspension (incl. fiberglass springs), and steering kits for Corvettes, Camaros, and GM Trucks. Full online catalog with pictures, descriptions, and prices.
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