Visteon researches composite truck chassis

The company used computer analysis extensively in a research project aimed at reducing the mass and complexity of a chassis structure while increasing strength and stiffness.

Composite pickup truck chassis are not in demand at the moment, but when they are, Visteon Corp. will be ready.

The company has completed a promising study on composite pickup truck chassis, and has a Dodge Dakota sitting atop one to prove its expertise in the area. The technology is feasible, said Naveen Rastogi, Technical Fellow, Chassis Product Line at Visteon, who presented a paper (2004-01-1519) at the SAE World Congress in March detailing how material analyses were conducted as part of the company's investigation into a composite pickup truck chassis. All that's left is for a business case to be made, he said.