New Lightweight Vehicle Door

Teijin Ltd.’s automotive composites specialty groups have developed a multi-material composite automotive door concept that has the necessary crash specifications while lowering weight by 35 percent as compared to a conventional steel door.

The module is made from carbon fiber sheet molded compound (SMC), glass fiber SMC and unidirectional glass fiber-reinforced plastics (GFRP). This offers high strength, low weight and handles the heat level of the conventional E-coat painting process.

Teijin has set 2025 as the launch date for a commercial door module.

According to the company, the module was developed as a response to the automotive industry wanting tough, lightweight, eco-friendly modules for its components like resin-based tailgates, hoods and roofs, to reduce CO2 emissions and further the battery range of electric vehicles.

Teijin worked with GMC to develop the CarbonPro boxes for Sierra pickups.