A materials technology explosion which has occurred over the past 15 years embraces many fields and many new concepts. This paper discusses in detail materials advancement in the automotive field, with particular emphasis on structure, styling, and economy.
Items mentioned are the 1968 GTO Endura bumper, use of ABS plastics for front and exterior grilles, as well as use of plastics in other applications, such as timing belt covers, engine fan shrouds, and use of olefins in the fender skirts and radiator fillers. Also covered is the application of nodular iron, malleable iron, and powdered metals in crankshafts, connecting rods, and other metallic applications.
Although impossible to test quality into a product, continued emphasis on process and material control must be maintained to assure manufacturing economy, product performance, and customer satisfaction.
