Land Rover's LRX Concept Slims Down with Lexan* High-Tech Plastic Glazing from SABIC Innovative Plastics


Land Rover's LRX Concept Slims Down with Lexan* High-tech Plastic Glazing from SABIC Innovative Plastics

DETROIT - Jan. 14, 2008 -At the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) today, Land Rover will unveil its vision of the future with the world premiere of the Land Rover LRX concept car, a new three-door premium cross-coup© prototype, made to showcase the latest in design technologies. One of its highlights will be its unique panoramic roof and side and rear windows, made from SABIC Innovative Plastics' Lexan GLX* high-performance plastic glazing with exclusive Exatec** coating technology.

As a result of the close collaboration with Land Rover, SABIC Innovative Plastics was able to contribute to the automaker's objective of using lighter weight and more sustainable materials on the LRX. Through the use of SABIC's high performance Lexan PC with Exatec coating; Land Rover was able to design differently and reduce the LRX's overall weight by close to 40 pounds (19 kilograms).

"As automakers create the vehicles of the future, each are looking to trim weight in different ways to achieve improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact," said Amanda Roble, executive director, SABIC Innovative Plastics. "Replacement of traditional materials such as glass with lightweight but durable plastics is a great way to reach weight-reduction goals. SABIC Innovative Plastics was pleased to work with Land Rover in this unique collaboration on many aspects of this unique glazing development for this eco-responsible concept." SABIC Innovative Plastics was involved with the design and feasibility reviews of glazing panels, and sourcing for tooling and part manufacture.

Wraparound Glazing for a Bold Design Graphic

In addition to important environmental benefits, the SABIC Lexan PC offered significant design advantages not possible in traditional materials. Land Rover designers were supported by the SABIC Innovative Plastics glazing and design teams in developing the LRX unique transparent glazing signature that wraps around the entire car, showcasing the fluidity of its lines and excellence surface quality. The car's upper body design is accented by an enhanced visibility as a result of the clear window glazing. At the same time, the interior of the LRX concept offers the feeling of a more-spacious cabin with the use of the transparent plastic panoramic roof that is supported by a "spider" frame running into the A-pillars. The rear quarter pillars show how the Lexan material can enhance design freedom, incorporating an aerodynamic boundary layer separator as well as a sharp wrap-around to meet the backlight.

High-performance Lexan GLX polycarbonate with Exatec coating systems also provides high impact strength and UV protection for the LRX concept. The polymer glazing material is used in the A-posts, side windows, rear quarter windows, panoramic roof, and backlight. Incorporating several glazing technologies from Exatec LLC enables the usual mast antenna to be eliminated, with hidden antennas incorporated within the panoramic roof glazing.

For additional information on SABIC Innovative Plastics, please visit the company's website at www.sabic-ip.com.

Photos are available at www.media.ford.com.

About SABIC Innovative Plastics

SABIC Innovative Plastics is a global supplier of plastic resins widely used in automotive, healthcare, consumer electronics, transportation, performance packaging, building and construction, telecommunications and optical media applications. The company manufactures and compounds polycarbonate, ABS, ASA, PPE, PC/ABS, PBT and PEI resins, as well as the LNP* line of high-performance specialty compounds, under such well known brand names as Lexan, Cycolac*, Geloy*, Noryl, Cycoloy*, Valox* and Ultem.

The Specialty Film and Sheet division of SABIC Innovative Plastics manufactures high-performance Lexan sheet and film products used in thousands of demanding applications worldwide. The dedicated automotive organization is an experienced, worldwide supplier, offering leading plastics solutions for five key automotive segments: body panels and glazing; under the hood applications; component; structures and interiors; and lighting.

SABIC Innovative Plastics is part of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC), one of the 10 largest petrochemicals manufacturers in the world.

* Trademark of SABIC Innovative Plastics IP BV.
** Trademark of Exatec, LLC.

Media Note: The proper name of the company is SABIC Innovative Plastics, and excludes any abbreviations or variations when referring to the company. As an acronym, SABIC should be all caps whenever it appears in print.

SABIC Innovative Plastics Media Contact
Global Automotive
Anne Clement
SABIC Innovative Plastics, Bergen op Zoom
The Netherlands
Tel.: +31 164 29 3148
E-Mail: anne.clement@sabic-ip.com

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