LyondellBasell Hifax Resin Helps Nissan Rogue Earn Top Innovation Award

HOUSTON, Nov. 13, 2013 – A light weight lift gate made with Hifax thermoplastic polypropylene resin from LyondellBasell helped earn the 2014 Nissan Rogue top honors at this year’s Automotive Innovation Awards Competition by the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE).

The newly designed 2014 Nissan Rogue lift gate won both the Grand Award and the Body Exterior category award.  Instead of steel panels, the lift gate utilizes Hifax TYC 1175 P, a thermoplastic polyolefin resin offering significant weight savings and an increase in fuel economy.  The light weight lift gate is 30 percent lighter than steel and contributes to an estimated 10 percent savings in fuel costs.

The lift gate is manufactured using Hifax TYC 1175P in a large injection mold which can be custom tailored to allow for the integration of a spoiler into the exterior panel, providing for assembly efficiencies.

“Innovative materials such as Hifax continue to displace heavy materials like metals in modern, lighter weight vehicles without sacrificing durability or performance,” said Scott Ashwood, LyondellBasell director of polypropylene compounds.  “We are extremely pleased to see this vehicle and its innovative components, including our Hifax resin, recognized by the industry.”

The SPE awards, now in its 43rd year, is the largest competition in the Americas for the automotive and plastics industries.  Entries are judged on their innovative use of plastics in various categories by respected members of the automotive community.

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LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) is one of the world's largest plastics, chemical and refining companies and a member of the S&P 500.  LyondellBasell (www.lyondellbasell.com) manufactures products at 58 sites in 18 countries.  LyondellBasell products and technologies are used to make items that improve the quality of life for people around the world including packaging, electronics, automotive parts, home furnishings, construction materials and biofuels.

 

For more information contact:   

Media - Bill Herdman, +1 713 309 4814, bill.herdman@lyondellbasell.com


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