When done wisely, reducing a vehicle's weight can have several beneficial effects. That's why we were pleased to learn recently that Toyota had earned an Altair Enlighten Award at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars (MBS), for its use of a pioneering weight-reducing vehicle closure system in the Prius Prime's liftgate.
Toyota has expanded the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the liftgate's inner panels, resulting in a 40 percent weight reduction compared to aluminum liftgates of a similar size. In turn, this reduction in weight reduction helps increase the vehicle's battery range, while also making the liftgate even easier to use.
Altair, SAE International and CAR have partnered in presenting the Altair Enlighten Awards for the past five five years, with this being the industry's only awards program that focuses its recognitions on the innovations automakers have made in reducing the weight of their offerings.
Are you interested in learning more about the latest Toyota design advancements and how they can help improve your driving experience? Contact Poe Toyota to talk with a member of our team.
