Dow Automotive was selected by Audi as the supplier of several plastic and bonding solutions for the new Audi A5. Application areas include interior trim as well as body engineering systems regarding crash resistance and lightweight construction. 

In the interior of the A5, Dow Automotive is represented with three different plastic materials utilising the self-colouring capacity of TF-PP, ABS and PC/ABS. Application areas are door trims, mid-console and the lower instrument panel. Regarding the different needs of the PP parts with respect to their final coating — textile covered or not, coloured or not — all requirements are fulfilled by using the PROMATCH^SM self-colouring service from Dow Automotive.

This PROMATCH service adds the desired OEM colour, via a granular colour concentrate, to Dow Automotive's natural resins directly on the moulding machine at either 4% or only 3% by weight depending on the whether the parts must be stabilised against UV degradation or not. The concentrates are both developed and manufactured by Dow Automotive and use the same natural resin as carrier for the pigments and additives to ensure optimal mixing performance and retention of physical properties.

The PROMATCH service offers moulders the opportunity to reduce colouring costs by purchasing natural material in bulk quantities and the various colours required only in small lots, hence reducing exposure to redundant stock while at the same time maintaining the colour performance of traditional factory coloured materials.

For the A5, Audi also was looking for a joining technology that delivered lightweight benefits and would simultaneously achieve high crash ratings in their proprietary crash tests. The decision in favour of Dow Automotive's adhesives was only made after exhaustive evaluation and testing of several competitive products. Only BETAMATE™ 1496 met Audi's exacting requirements for both crash stability and weight reduction. BETAMATE 1496 is now used on A5 structural elements such as pillars, bottom construction and front walls.

Crash-resistant adhesives from Dow Automotive provide up to 25 percent improved body stiffness and up to 15 percent more energy uptake in a crash. Their durability improves the strength of bonded joints up to 1,000 times the break time vs. spot welds and gap protection is also provided by the sealing characteristics of the adhesive. BETAMATE crash-resistant adhesives can be robotically applied in serial production or manually in the repair shop using industry-standard equipment.

Dow Automotive also supported Audi with comprehensive engineering services and consulting. This combination of a broad material portfolio and engineering capabilities makes Dow Automotive a unique supplier of solutions for automotive and commercial vehicles.

About Dow Automotive

Dow Automotive is a leading global provider of technology-driven solutions that meet consumer demand for vehicles that are safer, stronger, quieter, lighter, cleaner, comfortable and stylish. The organization provides plastics, adhesives, glass bonding systems, sealants, emissions control technology, films, fluids and structural enhancement and acoustical management solutions to OEM, tier and aftermarket customers around the world. For additional information about Dow Automotive products, services, and application development centres, visit www.dowautomotive.com.

™ Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company
^SM Servicemark of The Dow Chemical Company

Contact:
Clemens Wesely
MS&L for Dow Automotive
Phone: +49 69 6612 456 8381
E-Mail: clemens.wesely@mslpr.de