Report | 2012

Autocomposites Workshop Pre-Read

By Greg Rucks
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RMI is committed to reducing U.S. oil dependence and enhancing the competitive positioning of the U.S. automotive sector by catalyzing a shift to ultralight, ultrastrong autobodies made of advanced materials, particularly carbon fiber composites. Light autobodies dramatically improve fuel efficiency and allow powertrains to be smaller, lighter, more efficient, and more cost-effectively electrified. Understanding the barriers, developing consensus on the way forward, and spurring a transition through collaborative risk sharing, policy, and government support of research and development will be critical to success. This pre-read document prepared participants for the 2012 Autocomposites Workshop. It provides an overview of the autocomposites project, an overview of the carbon fiber industry, summary of major barriers to implementation, and possible solutions to overcome those challenges.