Continental Structural Plastics, Inapal Components Reduce Weight, Complexity for New Luxury SUV in Europe
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
MediaKind and Harmonic’s Video Business to Combine, Creating a Leading Streaming-Infrastructure Platform8.12.2025 16:37:00 EET | Press release
MediaKind, a global leader in cloud-based video streaming technology, today announced it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Video Business of Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) for approximately $145 million. Following a French employee works council consultation process, the parties would immediately execute a purchase agreement, and the transaction would be expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. The transaction creates a world-class independent SaaS streaming infrastructure provider by combining two established video technology organizations with complementary strengths in SaaS streaming, appliance platforms, and cloud AV workloads. The combined company will serve a blue-chip customer base, generate more than $100 million in annual recurring revenue (ARR), over $150 million in annual appliance revenue, and, as a business 100% focused on video, create an enhanced foundation for long-term growth. Additionally,
Andersen Consulting Elevates Cybersecurity Offering with the Addition of S-RM8.12.2025 16:30:00 EET | Press release
Andersen Consulting enters into a Collaboration Agreement with S‑RM, a global intelligence and cybersecurity consultancy, strengthening its ability to support global clients with risk resilience, incident response, and strategic advisory. Headquartered in the UK, S-RM delivers integrated services spanning cyber advisory, digital forensics, incident response, corporate intelligence, and pre-transaction due diligence. The firm serves family offices, private equity, Fortune 500, and mid-market clients in industries such as financial services, oil, and healthcare, offering hands-on cybersecurity management and custom risk platforms. With 24/7 incident response and deep investigative expertise, S-RM helps organizations strengthen resilience and make informed decisions in complex environments. “In an era where threats evolve constantly, organizations must be proactive, not reactive,” said Heyrick Bond Gunning, CEO of S‑RM. “Through our collaboration with Andersen Consulting, we will better e
Boomi Named a 2025 Geo and Global AWS Partner Award Finalist8.12.2025 16:00:00 EET | Press release
Boomi™, the leader in AI-driven automation, today announced it is a finalist for a 2025 Geography and Global AWS Partner Award, recognizing leaders around the globe that are playing key roles in helping their customers drive innovation and build solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Boomi is excited to announce it has been named a finalist for Rising Star Partner of the Year (Technology), which honors the top AWS Partner that has seen significant year-over-year growth in their Technology business. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208700959/en/ Boomi Named a 2025 Geo and Global AWS Partner Award Finalist The Geography and Global AWS Partner Awards recognize a wide range of AWS Partners that have embraced specialization, innovation, and cooperation over the past year. Geo and Global AWS Partner Awards commend partners whose business models continue to evolve and thrive on AWS as they support their customers.
iFIT and F45 Training Announce Global Partnership to Bridge Digital and Studio Fitness8.12.2025 16:00:00 EET | Press release
iFIT, a global leader in connected fitness, content, and equipment, and F45 Training, a leading global fitness community and franchise, today announced a new global partnership that will redefine the member experience by seamlessly integrating at-home digital training with in-studio community fitness. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251208170773/en/ Launching December 8, the collaboration combines F45 Training’s world-class, high-intensity functional training methodology with iFIT’s immersive workout production capabilities and expansive global platform. Integrated Fitness Collaboration This strategic partnership is built on two key pillars designed to drive engagement for both platforms: Premium Digital Content Access: iFIT will license and feature a curated collection of F45 Training’s signature functional, at-home workouts on its global streaming platform. This immediately brings F45’s acclaimed, results-dr
PHOTRON LIMITED Announces Acquisition of AOS Technologies AG8.12.2025 16:00:00 EET | Press release
PHOTRON LIMITED, a global leader in high-speed and scientific imaging solutions, today announced its acquisition of AOS Technologies AG, a Swiss-based designer and manufacturer of advanced high-speed imaging systems serving automotive, aerospace, industrial, and defense markets. Founded in 2002, AOS Technologies has earned worldwide recognition for its engineering innovation, rugged imaging platforms, and application expertise. The acquisition strengthens PHOTRON’s global strategy to expand technical capabilities, accelerate innovation, and grow its presence across high-performance imaging markets. “AOS Technologies brings engineering depth and a strong product portfolio that is complementary to PHOTRON’s long-term vision,” said Takashi Takimizu, President of PHOTRON LIMITED. “As PHOTRON continues to strengthen its growth strategy through targeted M&A activity and strategic business alliances, this partnership reflects our commitment to building a broader, more innovative global imagin
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