New Challenges Emerge as Cost Concerns Still Top DuPont Automotive/SAE Survey

DETROIT, March 6 -- Cost reduction continues to lead the list of challenges facing automotive engineers, but designability and emissions regulation issues are quickly rising, according to automotive engineers responding to the eighth annual DuPont Automotive/SAE survey. Fuel economy and safety remain in the top five challenges, increasing in urgency over last year.

Although cost continues to be rated as the top challenge for automotive engineers, its priority dropped 6 percent compared to 2001 results. Issues such as designability, which increased 9 percent from last year, and emissions regulations, which increased 6 percent -- are pushing cost to a lower priority.

``There is always strong pressure to keep costs down, but this year's survey also shows that the industry is facing considerable design, fuel economy and environmental challenges that can only be solved by advancing technology,'' said Walter L. Fields III, vice president - Automotive Engineering Materials, DuPont Automotive during a press briefing at SAE.

This year, more engineers believe the timeline for 42-volt technologies in North America may be pushed back, but are still optimistic about the prospects of advanced automotive electronics. Almost half of the respondents believe the 42-volt battery system will be introduced in this market within the next 10 years. Also, 40 percent of engineers believe hybrid alternative-power vehicles hold the most promise for mass production in the long term, with 35 percent of engineers predicting fuel cells will be the next most likely alternative-power vehicle.

``There are more revolutionary innovations waiting to debut on vehicles than any other time in our industry's history, and 42-volt technology is the system that will help put many of these technologies on the road,'' said Fields. ``DuPont is uniquely positioned to support suppliers and automakers in these 'interesting' times. We are very aware that cost is still a leading driver, but we also understand the importance of supporting innovation by creating viable technologies that will keep the industry growing into the future.''

Interest surrounding recycling remains flat over the past two years, according to the survey results, but proposed international regulations targeting recycle content could push this issue to the forefront, said Fields. ``Developing sustainable technologies that truly have a positive impact on the environment and public health and safety while contributing positive economic results is a pervasive challenge. The solutions revolve around partnership and choice and require innovation.''

DuPont also introduced Composite Recycle Technology, demonstrating the viability of this new, closed-loop, recycle technology for nylon with a prototype automotive radiator end tank made of 100-percent recycled, glass reinforced nylon from a post-consumer radiator end tank.

DuPont Engineering Polymers collaborated closely with DENSO Corp. on the innovative program. ``The global auto industry is challenged to find solutions to stem landfill growth,'' said Dr. Bill Hsu, vice president - DuPont Engineering Polymers, global technology, referring to the fact that 30 percent of a vehicle today still cannot be economically recycled. ``Today's announcement using our developmental Composite Recycle Technology is one of many solutions that can emerge when the value chain works together toward the same objectives.''

The Automotive Consulting Group, Ann Arbor, Mich., conducted the DuPont Automotive survey of automakers and suppliers.

During 2002, DuPont is celebrating its 200th year of scientific achievement and innovation -- providing products and services that improve the lives of people everywhere. Based in Wilmington, Del., DuPont delivers science-based solutions for markets that make a difference in people's lives in food and nutrition; health care; apparel; home and construction; electronics; and transportation.