Ford Produces Eco-Friendly Soy Rubber
Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), which is heavily invested in fuel efficiency and battery technology plans introduce its Focus electric car next year and a next-generation hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle in 2012, has more to look forward to on the green front.
Ford scientists have recently engineered a new rubber using renewable soy oil to be capable of replacing 25% of the petroleum-based oil usually used in the manufacturing of automotive components.
The new formula will reduce the material's environmental impact and improve its stretchability by two-fold. The research that led to the soy oil breakthrough was partially funded by grants from the United Soybean Board (USB), a trade group focused on research and market development.
The Big Three automaker intends to apply for a patent for the new material, which could be used in floor mats, cup-holder inserts, air baffles and radiator deflector shields. The company currently uses soy oil in the manufacturing of seat cushions, seatbacks and vehicle headliners in certain models, including the Ford Mustang and Ford Escape.
Once ailing Ford's profits soared in the first quarter, amid growing consumer confidence and surging sales in China (up 53% year-over-year), allowing the car manufacturer to put a US$4 billion dent in its massive debt. The company, whose stock has doubled over the past year, expects a "solid profit" in 2010.
Image courtesy of Interesting Things For You Late @ Night
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Shannon Roxborough is a career freelance writer, editor and international consultant who has authored hundreds of articles for a variety of media. He's covered business, companies and investments spanning all sectors, including green energy and cleantech.
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