{"id":12895,"date":"2026-04-08T12:12:15","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plasticseurope.org\/pl\/?post_type=pe_case_study&p=12895"},"modified":"2026-04-08T12:12:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T12:12:15","slug":"using-chemistry-and-technology-to-reduce-vehicle-weight","status":"publish","type":"pe_case_study","link":"https:\/\/plasticseurope.org\/pl\/case-studies\/using-chemistry-and-technology-to-reduce-vehicle-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"Using chemistry and technology to reduce vehicle weight"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How Stellantis and BASF joined forces to reduce the weight, and improve the durability of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, without compromising safety performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stellantis, a leading global automaker was looking to reduce the weight of their 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L since their traditional solution was made from high strength steel. The aim was to reduce mass of the vehicle and improve durability without compromising safety performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cooperation between BASF, L&L products and Stellantis resulted in a lightweight composite tunnel reinforcement (CTR), which has superior strength to magnesium, aluminium or steel, while upholding safety standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Power of Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • The combination of the Continuous Composite Systems\u2122(CCS) pultrusion technology with polyurethane chemistry from BASF was the key to success of the CTR<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • By using the CCS pultrusion technology, L&L Products and Stellantis were able to create a new design that reduces the packaging along with mass and uses the surrounding environment on the vehicle to help transition loads to the CTR.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • BASF\u2019s Elastocoat polyurethane chemistry together with continuous glass fibre provided an exceptional strength to weight ratio in comparison to ultra-high strength steel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
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    Sustainability Elements<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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    • 40% weight reduction compared to the previous version<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • A further 20% weight saving on the subsystem<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Total weight savings of 2.08kg per vehicle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The weight reduction contributes to lower CO2 emissions and better gas milage of the vehicle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      This project received the prestigious Altair Enlighten Award in August 2021<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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