Automakers to speed parts-validation process on resin shortage
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(Bloomberg) -- Automakers led by General Motors Co. and Volkswagen Group drafted a plan to expedite their parts validation processes as the industry tries to counter a shortage of resin used for making fuel and braking components.
GM, Volkswagen, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group were among the automakers that developed and support the plan to speed the use of alternate materials as the industry runs short of PA-12, also called Nylon-12, according to the Automotive Industry Action Group.
A follow-up meeting to approve the plan is scheduled for April 30.
Automakers and their suppliers are studying ways to find and test alternative materials and avoid losing vehicle output after the March 31 explosion at chemical maker Evonik Industries, which halved global capacity to make Nylon-12.
Evonik's factory in Marl, Germany, made a base ingredient used in the resin called Cyclododecatriene, or CDT, and supplied the material to other makers of Nylon-12 such as France's Arkema.
Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors Corp., Honda Motor Co., Harley-Davidson Inc. and Paccar Inc. also support the plan to speed validation of parts.
