The mobility of tomorrow: the DLR (German Aerospace Centre) is examining this topic in detail as part of its transportation programme. In cooperation with BASF, we are actively supporting the current “Next Generation Car” (NGC) research project by providing a customised lightweight component made of natural fibres.

The aim of the project is to promote the development of quiet, low-emission road vehicles that have a high degree of automation and a long range. New technologies are helping to optimise the vehicle structure, drive system and energy management.

With BASF, we are working on the Safe Light Regional Vehicle (SLRV) concept. The combination of a new type of metal sandwich construction, an innovative entry concept, a hydrogen fuel cell drive system and a new type of chassis establishes ideal conditions for us to meet the ambitious safety and weight (450 kg) targets of the L7 light vehicle class. Our lightweight components made of natural fibres are installed in the interior floor and protect the body from mechanical deformation. “When developing innovative technical nonwovens for mobility applications, we place great importance on products made from renewable raw materials, in addition to solutions for lightweight construction, absorption and insulation. Our experience and the special properties of the Acrodur binder have made it possible to produce the high-performance composite material required by DLR based almost exclusively on natural fibres”, reports our Managing Director Thomas Güthe.

DLR has already presented the prototype of the NGC SLVR, at the Composites Europe trade fair.