ARPRO
Image: The Peugeot 308. (Image: Peugeot)
A lightweight, expanded polypropylene bead foam material has been used to achieve almost 3kg of weight savings, as well as reductions in CO2 emissions, in Peugeot’s 308 model.
The new EURO NCAP 5-star rated Peugeot 308 uses ARPRO material from JSP in six applications in the vehicle, resulting in a six percent reduction in fuel consumption and 20 percent less CO2 emissions as a result of the weight saving.
“The Peugeot 308 is an excellent example of how using innovative new materials can significantly reduce the weight of a vehicle, while benefitting passenger comfort, safety and performance,” explained Bert Suffis, ARPRO Innovation Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Importantly, using a material such as ARPRO also offers flexibility and versatility in the manufacturing process.”
One of the biggest weight savings as a result of using the material is in the vehicle’s integrated seat ramp, which is made entirely from ARPRO, enabling a flat, modular chassis and a saving of almost 2kg per vehicle.
Other applications in the vehicle that use the material include the boot panel, where a one-piece ARPRO component was engineered to house the spare tyre and create a flat floor loading area to save-space as well as weight, as well as the head restraints, which weigh just 29g each using ARPRO.
Within the engine compartment two pieces of ARPRO, totalling 58g, sit under the bonnet providing energy and noise absorption. Finally, the footrest in the driver’s seat well and the kneepads by the steering wheel both use the material.
“Peugeot is a truly innovative vehicle manufacturer and the future for the new second generation 308 looks very promising. Production is expected to grow further in 2016, so the 308 has a long life to come” added Suffis.