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
Navan Unlocks Savings for Travelers with First SAS NDC Direct Connect28.5.2026 10:01:00 EEST | Press release
Navan (NASDAQ: NAVN), the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform, today announced a New Distribution Capability (NDC) integration with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). By allowing the airline to share its fares, availability, and offers directly in real time, the integration provides an expanded portfolio of SAS fares and services to Navan customers. This makes Navan the first Travel Management Company (TMC) to access SAS NDC content via a direct connection, leveraging version 21.3 of the NDC API. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260528812727/en/ Direct connection gives travelers access to lower fares and streamlined post-booking services “Our Modern Airline Retailing journey is centered on delivering more relevant offers, greater transparency, and better value for travelers,” said Edward Fotheringham, VP Sales & Distribution at SAS. “By connecting directly with Navan via our NDC channel, we’re expa
Navan Strengthens European Train Offering with Swedish Rail Integration28.5.2026 10:00:00 EEST | Press release
Navan (NASDAQ: NAVN), the global AI-powered business travel and expense platform, today announced the addition of more than 20 Swedish rail carriers to its platform, including Sweden’s largest operators, SJ and VR. Powered by SilverRail's global rail distribution platform, the API integration unlocks access for Navan customers to domestic rail routes in Sweden, as well as many popular cross-border routes in the region, such as between Stockholm and Copenhagen. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260528696890/en/ Through a direct connection with SilverRail, Navan adds more than 20 Swedish rail carriers to its long list of European rail options “We’re seeing strong momentum in Sweden,” says Michael Riegel, Chief Customer Officer at Navan. “It’s a unique economy where you have this intersection of industrial companies, in manufacturing, maritime, and automotive, colliding with a world-class tech and AI scene. Our gro
KKR to Open New Office in Milan, Strengthening Long-Term Commitment to Italy28.5.2026 10:00:00 EEST | Press release
KKR, a leading global investment firm, today announced plans to open an office in Milan, further strengthening its long-term commitment to Italy and expanding its local presence in one of Europe’s largest economies. The office will support the firm’s investment activity across Private Equity, Real Assets, Credit and Insurance, while deepening client partnerships and advancing the continued development of KKR’s private wealth business in Italy. Italy has been an important market for KKR for over two decades, with over €10 billion of capital deployed since 2005 across Private Equity, Real Assets and Credit. The firm’s investments include FiberCop, Europe’s first wholesale-only, open-access fibre network, Enilive, a key player in advancing Italy’s energy transition, and CMC, a sustainable packaging leader using robotics to drive innovation. These investments reflect KKR’s focus on partnering with businesses in sectors critical to long-term economic growth and transformation, and on suppor
Merz Therapeutics Presents New Research at World Parkinson Congress 2026, Revealing the Hidden Burden of "OFF" Episodes in Parkinson’s Disease28.5.2026 10:00:00 EEST | Press release
Merz Therapeutics, a leading player in neurology-focused specialty pharma, today announced the presentation of new research at the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) 2026 that uncovers the multifaceted burden of "OFF" episodes in Parkinson's disease (PD). The qualitative literature review demonstrates that these episodes are not only a re-emergence of motor symptoms, but also a complex mix of debilitating motor and non-motor symptoms that impact the lives of people with Parkinson’s disease.1 Additional data presented at the congress also confirm the clinical profile of levodopa inhalation powder (INBRIJA®) as a reliable and well-tolerated treatment for these debilitating events. The new research moves beyond well-recognized physical signs to create a more comprehensive model for understanding the true patient experience of an OFF episode.1 The systematic review identified 132 distinct concepts, detailing the profound impact of "invisible" non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, memory problems
SMBC and Toshiba Jointly Develop New Equity Indices Using Advanced Quantum-Driven Technologies28.5.2026 04:00:00 EEST | Press release
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (“SMBC”) and Toshiba Corporation (“Toshiba”) today announced the joint development of the SMBC/TOSHIBA Quantum Driven Diversified Japan Equity Index and the SMBC/TOSHIBA Quantum Driven Diversified U.S. Equity Index, new equity indices realized with advanced quantum-driven technologies. Collectively, the indices are referred to as “SMBC/TOSHIBA Quantum Diversified” (the “Indices”). This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260519448161/en/ Toshiba’s Simulated Bifurcation Machine 1. Background and Objectives Equity investment is central to asset management, but it also carries the ever-present risk of abrupt and substantial market fluctuations driven by geopolitical developments, changes in economic policy, and other external factors. In uncertain markets, investors are constantly seeking innovations in risk diversification that can protect their assets from unexpected market shocks. SM
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