Although the world is arguably a smaller place today, it still seems as though things are done somewhat differently-at least initially-in Europe than in the US. Take the utilization of plastic for intake manifolds, for example. According to John M. Ferrighetto, Business Manager-Americas, DuPont Automotive (Troy, MI), "Polymeric air intake manifolds began in Europe in the mid to late '70s." In the US, they didn't start showing up in sizeable quantities until the early 1990s. Ferrighetto says that DuPont data show that right now, about 65% of the air intake manifolds on passenger vehicles are made with plastic, nylon 66 primarily, with some nylon 6. "By 2004, our data suggests we'll have a relatively penetrated market here in the US." He's talking about as many as 95% of the intake manifolds being produced with plastic. As for the remaining 5%, he believes that there will be exceptions such as applications where there are extreme heat requirements or small volumes that don't necessarily justify doing retooling from metal to plastic. Here's an example of a complex glass-reinforced nylon 66 active manifold for a V6 engine. The manifold is for Rover-it's the company's first plastic intake system for a V6-and is produced by mann+hummel with DuPont Zytel 70G35HSL.
Transatlantic Transitions: Plastics Crossover From Europe To America


Get full access to all content, just $1 for 30 days
A Message From The Editor
just-auto gives its paid members access to the very best automotive market coverage.
And now there’s just-auto plus, our premium membership that gives you exclusive component forecast data, company profiles and extended news coverage - just for premium members.
Today I can offer you 30 days access for $1 - and that includes just-auto plus.


Dave Leggett, editor of just-auto
* plus VAT if applicable
Only on

15-year fitment forecasts for 20 automotive component sectors including:
Vehicles and markets • Connected vehicle technologies • Electrified vehicles • Lightweighting • Chassis and safety • Active and passive safety • Electronic braking systems • Foundation braking systems • Shock absorbers • Steering systems • Interiors • Door modules • Heating, ventilation and air-cooling • Seating systems • Exteriors and materials • Glazing systems • Roof systems • Powertrain and transmission • 4WD and AWD • Engine technologies • Transmission and clutch • Turbochargers • Electrics and electronics • Battery technologies • Electric motors • Lighting - plus OEM and supplier company profiles and extended automotive news.