Weight Saving Approaches Through the Use of Fiber Glass-Reinforced Plastic

Problems affecting the availability and cost of fuel have caused automotive engineers to accelerate programs aimed at making ground transportation more energy efficient. Reducing vehicle weight is considered one of the most fundamental ways to achieve that goal. Fiber glass-reinforced plastic materials offer a lightweight alternative for components which are or were manufactured from steel. Other characteristics of fiber glass/plastic make it a complete materials system with cost/performance advantages beyond its high strength-to-weight ratio.