Sure glad the automotive industry has its priorities straight.
Seatbacks are traditionally made from steel. The new BMSB technology uses Pulse PC-ABS that was developed specifically for Dow Automotive blow molding. It gave Audi designers a significant, 2.4-kg/vehicle weight reduction and more design freedom. "Blow-molded seatbacks meet global safety requirements and improve passenger comfort," says Mike Shoemaker, Dow Automotive market development manager, plastics. "The lumbar support is built into the plastic molding in the Audi TT. And future generations of this product may incorporate additional interior conveniences, including map pockets." This innovation can also be important in vehicles where seats are frequently removed or moved.
Let's break it all down.
- Initial reaction, would you feel safer with steel or plastic at your back? You've got a bunch of AK-47 packing terrorists on your tail, would you rather have a layer of steel or some blow-molded plastic behind you? If a super hero were to come to your rescue, would you feel safer if it were the original Man of Steel or the plastic Mr. Fantastic?
- 2.4 kg is only 5.3 lbs. If people consider that a significant weight reduction, they can lose the car stereo or stop hitting the drive-through.
- I'm sure everybody really wants another map pocket in the car to collect dirty napkins, gather old receipts, and distort into odd shapes from misuse.
- If you are frequently moving or removing your car seats, perhaps you purchased the wrong vehicle for your needs. If one pound per seat makes your life so much easier, consider getting a gym membership.
On a less cynical note, there is a place for plastics in automotive seating. The
custom car culture should pick up on its use for ultra cool, totally personalized seating in vehicles meant to be something other than stock. And most of those cars have so much steel on the outside that it wouldn't make a bit of difference.
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