Ford creates prototype carbon-fiber hood that will increase fuel-economy

FoMoCo has created a prototype carbon fiber bonnet that the company says will help reduce weight and increase fuel-economy for its customers.

The carbon fibre reinforced plastic Ford Focus bonnet was displayed at the Composites Europe event in Dusseldorf, Germany. The part is made from “super-strong material” that you find in bespoke racing vehicles or high-performance sports cars.

Ford says that the concept bonnet weighs 50 percent less than a standard steel version.

“It’s no secret that reducing a vehicle’s weight can deliver major benefits for fuel consumption, but a process for fast and affordable production of carbon fibre automotive parts in large numbers has never been available,” said Inga Wehmeyer, advanced materials and processes research engineer, Ford European Research Centre. “By partnering with materials experts through the Hightech.NRW research project, Ford is working to develop a solution that supports cost efficient manufacturing of carbon fibre components.”

– By: Omar Rana