Article: Composites industry weighing in on fuel; Energy crunch boosts needs for lighter materials.(News)

Byline: Rhoda Miel

Saad Abouzahr has a 54-mile commute - each way - so he understands the impact of rising gasoline prices.

"I spend more money on gas than food lately, so it is very painful,'' he said.

And as senior manager of materials with DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler SRT group in Auburn Hills, Mich., he also understands the impact lighter materials can make on improved fuel economy.

But while the auto industry is looking to decrease vehicle weight, Abouzahr warned molders that decision makers will not necessarily be using composites to do that.

The auto industry is still more comfortable with metal, he said during the ...

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