Hyundai revealed a new concept crossover called the QarmaQ at the Geneva Motor Show this week. Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center and engineered in close cooperation with GE Plastics, QarmaQ is a showcase for 30 technologies that will find their way into Hyundai's new models to be rolled out from 2008-2014. The wrap-around GE Lexan windscreen and extensive use of GE polycarbonate glazing materials provides a weight saving of up to 50 percent in relation to glass, while simultaneously allowing more adventurous shapes than flat glass. The glazing features a unique technology from Exatec which deposits a thin protective layer of glass on the Lexan to add protection from scratching and the effects of weathering.




Advanced Technology Inside and Out: Hyundai ATDV Features Innovative Applications Utilizing GE Materials

At the Geneva Motor Show here, GE Plastics' high-performance composites and thermoplastics is taking the spotlight with close to 30 diverse applications for Hyundai's advanced technology development vehicle (ATDV), the QarmaQ. The crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a joint project of GE Plastics and Hyundai to demonstrate the design freedom and practicality of using plastics in components traditionally manufactured from metal, glass, and thermosets. It features GE's advanced technologies in five key areas: the Elastic Front*, exterior, interior, lighting systems, and underhood.

Among the benefits of the GE Plastics materials are a weight reduction of up to 60 kg that can offer an average fuel savings of up to 80 litres/year; improved pedestrian safety; and the ability to create complex, 3D shapes.

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Geneva Motor Show Photo