Recently, Toyota earned an Altair Enlighten Award at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars (MBS) for the company's pioneering use of a weight-reducing vehicle closure system in the Prius Prime's liftgate.
Toyota has increased their use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the Prius Prime liftgate's inner panels, a move that delivers a weight reduction of 40 percent compared to equivalently sized aluminum liftgates. This weight reduction leads directly to an increase in the vehicle's battery range while also making it easier to use the liftgate.
In a press release, J.P. Flaharty, Executive Program Manager at Toyota Motor North America Research & Development, commented, "We are excited to offer closure systems that are optimized to the unique mission of each vehicle...Our entire development team is honored to receive this coveted award."
The Altair Enlighten Awards are the automotive industry's only award program that specifically recognizes carmakers' innovations in reducing vehicle weight. Altair, SAE International and CAR have teamed to present the awards for five years.
Are you interested in learning more about the latest in Toyota design advancements? Contact Dayton Toyota and ask to speak with one of our team members.
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