Home   CO2 reduction   Clean Air   Energy saving As a long-standing partner of the automotive industry, Rhodia offers carmakers ideas that anticipate consumer expectations as well as regulatory requirements. To respond to the future needs of the market, Rhodia proposes innovative solutions to the automotive and transport industries taking into account three major challenges facing these industries: the reduction of CO2 emissions, energy saving and air quality improvement.     In recent years, vehicle weight has been constantly increasing due to the integration of more and more equipment to improve comfort and safety. As it directly impacts fuel consumption, vehicle weight is the most important factor in CO2 emissions. Steel accounts for two-thirds of current vehicle weight. Since 100 kg of plastic can replace on average 300 kg of steel, substitution is of obvious interest. A reduction of only 10% in vehicle weight can lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 10 grams per kilometer. Rhodia’s technological solutions: Engineering Plastics   News Challenge Bibendum Shanghai, November 14-17, 2007 Rhodia, associate partner   Download Automotive Brochure   Links Rhodia Electronics & Catalysis Rhodia Engineering Plastics Rhodia Polyamide     In recent years the progress achieved in fuel quality, coupled with new engine and emissions control technologies, has enabled carmakers to meet ever-tightening emissions regulations. The ultimate objective is zero pollution. Global leader in materials for automotive catalysis, Rhodia holds a pre-eminent position as a supplier of products that improve the performance and reliability of emissions control systems. Rhodia’s technological solutions: Materials for gasoline catalysis and Additive technology for particulate filters     Tire quality plays a key role in fuel consumption. In practice, this means good tire performance in terms of rolling resistance. Responsible for nearly 30% of CO2 emissions (over the NMVEG* cycle), rolling resistance is a key element for all car- and tiremakers to optimize tire energy consumption and thus vehicle fuel consumption. Low-energy tires – which today are standard in Europe – bring about a 25% reduction in rolling resistance and save more than 5% in fuel consumption. Rhodia’s technological solutions: High performance silica