Transportation

Page 1 of 5 (66 results total)

  • Cars will drive up demand for carbon fibers

    September 1, 2010

    Global demand for lightweight, strong carbon fibers could reach 8.5 million tons by 2015.

  • The Teijin Group has unveiled a super-lightweight electric concept car made with proprietary materials and technologies including carbon fiber composites, polycarbonate resins and bio-derived polyester, embodying Teijin’s vision of what a vehicle will l

    Concept car crafted from carbonfiber composites

    June 1, 2010

    This lightweight concept car has been crafted with carbon fiber composites, polycarbonate resins and bio-derived polyester.

  • Dazed, concussed or unconscious passengers don’t make it out of airplane accidents. The AmSafe seatbelt airbag protects the head, increasing chances of survival. Photo: AmSafe Inc.

    Innovative seatbelt airbags for airplanes

    June 1, 2010

    The airbag, integrated into the lap belt portion of the seatbelt, inflates in less than 90 milliseconds, deploying up and away from the occupant, making it safe for both children and adults.

  • NHTSA rules on side curtain airbags

    March 1, 2010

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed new rules that would require automakers to improve side curtain airbags by making them cover more of the window, stay inflated longer and possibly be tethered to keep occupants inside the vehicle during a rollover.

  • Sample books for automotive interiors

    March 1, 2010

    Companies that do automotive upholstery are familiar with Detroit Car Books; they’re sample books that show the fabrics used in OEM automotive interiors for a particular year.

  • Autoliv buys Delphi assets

    February 1, 2010

    Delphi Automotive LLP, Troy, Mich., emerged from a four-year bankruptcy in October 2009 and divested a string of businesses, including its North American airbag, seatbelt and steering wheel manufacturing facilities.

  • Automotive detailing film

    February 1, 2010

    Series 975 Carbon Fiber Cast has a textured surface specially developed for exterior automotive accent restyling and interior applications for fine detailing.

  • Cover protects historic wagon

    February 1, 2010

    This fully restored 19th century Gypsy wagon needed a cover to protect it from the elements during transit and storage.

  • Custom transportation upholstery offers profitable opportunities

    February 1, 2010

    By air, land or sea, capture demand with quality and creativity.

  • Funding carbon fiber research projects

    February 1, 2010

    Lightweight, high-strength carbon fiber can potentially save energy by making vehicles lighter, which improves fuel efficiency.

  • Side curtains allow easy access on the job

    February 1, 2010

    Side curtains allow crews easy access to tools, to help boost efficiency by streamlining the installation process at a job site.

  • Tarps keep trees cool during transport

    February 1, 2010

    The transport of live trees comes with a unique set of challenges.

  • Airbag system protects troops from explosions

    January 1, 2010

    Among the military acronyms that have infiltrated common speech in the wake of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, IED (improvised explosive device) and RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) may be two of the most deadly.

  • Auto interior manufacturers to attend conference

    January 1, 2010

    Despite a global recession, manufacturers of auto interiors keep driving forward.

  • Rinspeed’s streamlined one-seater sports car transforms into a comfortable sedan with ample room for three; the rear end of the teardrop-shaped car pops up. A coldblack®-finished roof liner keeps heat and UV rays out for energy-efficient cabin comfort.

    High-tech wool keeps auto interior cool

    January 1, 2010

    The streamlined, lightweight, zero-emission iChange shifts to save energy, and its futuristic design includes high-tech wool for seat covers, door panels and roof liners that keep even dark-colored interiors comfortable.

  • U.S. suppliers stay competitive

    Sponsored by IFAI Market Research

    In an IFAI business climate survey, three factors constraining growth in the U.S. specialty fabrics market were mentioned: high raw material costs, overseas competition, and high oil/energy prices. From September –December 2008, high raw material and petroleum-related prices were exacerbated by tighter credit markets and record unemployment.

    Survey respondents reported some positive factors: increasing market share due to increased consolidation, greater export opportunities, and development of new technology and growth in eco-friendly green markets. Growth markets include medical textiles, military applications, safety and protective products, and the domestic and international use of geosynthetics.

    Increases in raw material and energy costs, increased labor costs and medical insurance premiums and the possible long-term shrinkage of the military market were mentioned as threats to growth. The poor economy means a weak U.S. dollar, tighter credit and reduced consumer buying. Overcapacity could be a problem, due to increased costs, decreased customer demand and global competition, especially from China and India.

    In response, suppliers will focus on high value products, profitable niche markets and product diversification, improving manufacturing processes, R&D and information technology. Advertising, marketing and sales promotion will be key.

    From the 2009 State of the Industry Report. Purchase a complete report at the IFAI Bookstore.