Continental Structural Plastics, Inapal Components Reduce Weight, Complexity for New Luxury SUV in Europe
21.10.2020 14:30:00 EEST | Business Wire | Press release
Inapal Plásticos, Continental Structural Plastics’ operations in Portugal, will be manufacturing a number of lightweight, low-density sheet molded compound (SMC) components for a premium luxury auto maker’s first SUV. These 11 components, ranging from under hood to underbody and Class A components, will reduce part complexity and overall vehicle weight.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005037/en/
Advanced composites allow for the molding of complex shapes to minimize parts, reducing weight and assembly complexity. (Photo: Business Wire)
By molding the complex radiator assembly frame in a low-density composite material, the OEM was able to minimize the number of parts required under the hood, significantly reducing assembly complexity and weight. Such parts are traditionally steel or aluminum and require multiple stamped components to be assembled to create the final product. Further, the SMC allows for the molding of complex shapes and deep draws, enabling CSP to create a finished assembly that fits the dramatic and distinctive styling of the vehicle.
The vehicle’s tailgate, molded in low-density, Class A SMC, is finished by CSP with a conductive primer before being shipped to the customer. This Class A SMC is e-coat oven capable, giving the customer the freedom to paint the tailgate in-house with the rest of the vehicle.
“Because this vehicle is the first SUV to be manufactured by this particular automaker, there are no direct comparisons to provide exact weight savings afforded by the use of low-density SMC,” said Orlando Rebelo, program manager at Inapal Plásticos. “But it is safe the say the weight savings will be significant and will contribute to the luxury performance customers will expect from this vehicle.”
The components will be manufactured at the CSP facilities in Leça, and Palmela, Portugal.
About Continental Structural Plastics
Continental Structural Plastics, a Teijin Group company, has provided leading-edge technologies in lightweight composite solutions for the automotive, heavy truck, HVAC and construction industries for 50 years. Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, CSP provides full-service engineering support, and holds multiple patents covering materials development and manufacturing processes. The company has operations on three continents and more than 4,300 employees. For more information, visit cspplastics.com.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group offering advanced solutions in the fields of environmental value; safety, security and disaster mitigation; and demographic change and increased health consciousness. Originally established as Japan's first rayon manufacturer in 1918, Teijin has evolved into a unique enterprise encompassing three core business domains: high-performance materials including aramid, carbon fibers and composites, and also resin and plastic processing, films, polyester fibers and products converting; healthcare including pharmaceuticals and home healthcare equipment for bone/joint, respiratory and cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, nursing care and pre-symptomatic healthcare; and IT including B2B solutions for medical, corporate and public systems as well as packaged software and B2C online services for digital entertainment. Deeply committed to its stakeholders, as expressed in the brand statement “Human Chemistry, Human Solutions”, Teijin aims to be a company that supports the society of the future. The group comprises more than 170 companies and employs some 20,000 people across 20 countries worldwide. Teijin posted consolidated sales of JPY 853.7 billion (USD 8.0 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,004.2 billion (USD 9.4 billion) in the fiscal year that ended on March 31, 2020. Please visit www.teijin.com.
To view this piece of content from cts.businesswire.com, please give your consent at the top of this page.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20201021005037/en/
Contact information
Kim Zitny
+1 248-535-6944
kim.zitny@cspplastics.com
About Business Wire
For more than 50 years, Business Wire has been the global leader in press release distribution and regulatory disclosure.
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
Umios and Wah Kong Complete Strategic Pet Food Joint Venture in Southeast Asia; Japan Corporate Advisory Institute Advised on the Transaction1.10.2026 03:00:00 EEST | Press release
Umios Corporation (TOKYO Prime: 1333; formerly Maruha Nichiro) and Wah Kong Corporation have completed the establishment of a strategic joint venture centered on Pet World International Sdn. Bhd. (“PWI”), one of Malaysia’s leading pet food companies. Under the transaction, Umios invested approximately JPY 11.4 billion to acquire a 51% interest in PWI through a newly established holding company. PWI holds the No. 2 share of Malaysia’s pet food market — No. 1 among local companies (NielsenIQ) — and operates the country’s only BRC-certified pet food plant. The company has approximately 350 employees, sells through more than 10,000 physical stores and its own e-commerce channels, and posted consolidated sales of approximately JPY 12.4 billion in the year ended September 2025. The joint venture combines Umios’s strengths in wet pet food with PWI’s dry-food capabilities, creating comprehensive coverage across dogs and cats, wet and dry. The partnership is expected to integrate the parties’ s
INNIO Completes Acquisition of Enerflex APAC Aftermarket Operations1.10.2026 00:02:00 EEST | Press release
INNIO N.V. (Nasdaq: INIO) today announced the completion of its acquisition of Enerflex Ltd.’s aftermarket business operations in Australia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The transaction strengthens INNIO’s presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and expands its ability to serve customers through enhanced local service capabilities and greater customer proximity. The acquired business operates principally across three countries and eight locations and brings extensive workshop and office facilities, a highly experienced workforce, and a strong installed base supported by long-term service agreements with major oil and gas companies in the region. Through the transaction, INNIO further strengthens its ability to deliver responsive, high-quality service and lifecycle support to customers throughout APAC. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Textron Aviation Builds Future Workforce With Kansas’ First Aviation Youth Apprenticeship Program.30.9.2026 21:55:00 EEST | Press release
Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, is further bolstering the company’s efforts to build the next generation workforce as the first aviation company in Kansas to offer state-registered youth apprenticeships through the Kansas Office of Apprenticeships. The program expands career opportunities for high school students beginning at age 16 by providing paid, hands-on learning experiences that develop industry knowledge and career-ready skills while they complete their education. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930818829/en/ Textron Aviation builds future workforce with Kansas’ first aviation youth apprenticeship program (Photo Credit: Textron Aviation). Textron Aviation is launching three state-registered youth apprenticeship programs to include: Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) in collaboration with WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas Avionics in collaboration with WSU Tech in Wichita, Kansas Engine
Thales and Landis+Gyr Enable Smarter, Remotely Managed Connectivity for Smart Meter Fleets30.9.2026 21:00:00 EEST | Press release
As utilities modernize their infrastructure, smart meters are becoming an increasingly important part of the connected energy ecosystem. Landis+Gyr serves more than 2,000 utilities worldwide and has more than 180 million connected intelligent devices in the field. In North America alone, the installed base of smart electricity meters is expected to grow from 152.4 million in 2024 to 180.9 million by 2030, according to Berg Insight. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930715193/en/ This is where the latest generation of Thales eSIM technology is supporting the increasing need for cellular IoT. Compliant with the GSMA's SGP.32 specification, it enables remotely managing connectivity on IoT devices, allowing network profiles to be provisioned, changed or managed over the air. By reducing reliance on physical SIM replacement and supporting interoperability across the IoT ecosystem, it provides a foundation for more
135 Global Thought Leaders, Decision-Makers and Experts to Speak at World Green Economy Summit 202630.9.2026 18:45:00 EEST | Press release
Under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and the World Green Economy Organization (WGEO) will organise the 12th World Green Economy Summit (WGES) on 21-22 October 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260930106199/en/ World Green Economy Summit 2025 (Photo: AETOSWire) Held under the theme ‘From Success to Scale: Showcasing the Green Economy’, the summit will host 135 speakers, including ministers, business leaders, government officials, decision-makers, experts and innovators from around the world. They will exchange insights and expertise while highlighting successful initiatives and models that can be scaled up to accelerate the transition to a green economy. “The World Green Economy Summit brings together gl
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom