Exxtral to develop interior components for Citroen Berlingo & Peugeot

29 Sep '08

2 min read

ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral performance polyolefins have been specified for four interior components of the new Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner manufactured by PSA Peugeot Citroën Group. The components include the instrument panel, door panel, and upper and lower trim.

PSA Peugeot Citroën Group is the first automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to specify ExxonMobil Chemical's Exxtral BMU141 polyolefin for use in instrument panels. Exxtral polyolefin was selected because it offers a unique balance of impact strength and stiffness and is easy to mold.

“The development of the Berlingo and Partner instrument panels is an excellent example of collaboration with the automotive OEM and the Tier One supplier. Our global network of product, application and technical service engineers works closely with our customers, helping them improve their processes and components,” said Jim R. McKinley, global manager, ExxonMobil Chemical specialty compounds business. “This helps facilitate application development delivering parts more quickly to the marketplace.”

Exxtral performance polyolefins also have been specified for the door panel and upper and lower trim because they offer a lightweight alternative to other materials used in these applications. Providing design flexibility for part consolidation, these polyolefins are replacing difficult to recycle material combinations of more costly engineered thermoplastics.

Exxtral performance polyolefins are becoming increasingly popular with automotive designers and processors looking for new materials that offer reductions in weight without sacrificing strength as well as excellent surface appearance, paintability or the ability to mold-in color. They are durable in adverse conditions and competitively priced. They also provide outstanding surface hardness, good “fit and finish” characteristics and fast cycle times.

According to PSA Peugeot Citroën Group, the Berlingo is the benchmark and European leader in the ludospace category. The new Berlingo is described as an authentic all-rounder that meets the growing demand for freedom and versatility in use.

It retains the ultra-functional, family-friendly character of the original and strengthens its personality with dynamic up-market styling. Stylish, dynamic and robust, it possesses refined interior styling that is both modern and hard-wearing. Citroën has used premium materials that give the cabin a prestigious feel.

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