Coming to life

Bio-based materials are increasingly showcased in concept vehicles-but do they have widespread production potential?

Shiny, forward-looking concept cars-often the stars at auto shows the world over-provide a glimpse of cutting-edge technologies that may or may not find their way into daily-drivers. In the past half decade or so, more of these concepts have included biomaterials to promulgate a green image, if not to signal imminent production intent.

At the recent LA Auto Show, Honda revealed its FC Sport hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, with exterior panels “intended to use plant-derived bioplastics.”