Engineering Materials

Engineering materials is a discussion led by Design News Contributing Materials Editor Doug Smock on important new developments and applications that affect mechanical design. Metals covered include all types of steel and nonferrous metals, in all shapes. Resins covered include nylons, polycarbonates, polysulfides, polyimides, and polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). Other materials covered include ceramics and rubber. Topics covered include materials enhancement, new applications, process technology, tooling, sustainability, and economic issues. Posts will include latest news from global events such as K 2007, the Alliance of Plastics Processors Annual Conference, the National Plastics Exposition, and the annual technical conference (ANTEC) of the Society of Plastics Engineers.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Chery Tiggo Is No Chevy Volt

Keep a close eye on developments with China’s home grown car producers, such as Chery, Brilliance and Geely. They put emphasis on low-cost, mass output and not on technical innovation—a critical factor for advancing the use of engineering plastics. We’re not talking the Chevy Volt here; we’re talking the Chery Tiggio. You’ve probably heard a lot about the involvement of VW and GM in the China market. And in fact those two OEMs and their local JV partners are the current leaders in production. But the Chinese-owned and developed companies are growing fastest. Sales by Chery are up 48% for example, while GM’s sales are up 22%. News that Chrysler is collaborating with Chery on new models that will be sold by Chrysler in the United States under the Dodge brand turns up the heat.

Related entries in: Design News |

(Add your comments)

at 4/13/2007 1:11:08 AM, Roberto F. Camona said:
It is true that the 'invisible hand' guides the market, and it would be logical to think that consumers would immediately flock to purchase knoc-off versions of their favorite autos at half the price (possibly even less). But America is steadily becoming an educated consumer and you will never be able to buy dirt-cheap and high quality. In the end consumers should be able to tell the difference and apply the old addage that "what's cheap now becomes expensive tomorrow"

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