First Thermoplastic Fenders

This was the first use of an engineering thermoplastic (MPPE/PA) on a vertical body panel. Making the switch from steel to plastic enabled GM to reduce part weight 40% and eliminate denting and corrosion. GM’s success here was quickly translated into thermoplastic fenders on other GM vehicles. To date, over 45 platforms and 20-million vehicles globally have used or currently use this material. Thermoplastic body panels have since been translated beyond automotive to tractors and lawnmowers for home and agricultural use.

OEM/Vehicle 1987MY General Motors Co.: Buick® LeSabre® T-Type Sedan System Supplier General Motors Factory 8 Material Processor General Motors Factory 8

Material Supplier GE Plastics Resin Noryl GTX® MPPE/PA Tooling/Equipment Supplier Delta Mold

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