Japanese companies develop new automotive materials and strengthen their international competitiveness

According to the Japan Economic News, as Japanese Yen continues to operate at a high level, Japanese auto companies are very concerned about the hollowing out of related industries due to increased purchases of spare parts and raw materials from overseas. To cope with the challenges, Japan's large steel and chemical companies that provide raw materials to auto companies are adopting new strategies to actively promote their unique technologies, ensure domestic production, reduce costs, and meet challenges from South Korea and other competitors.

Sumitomo Metal has developed a technology to process high-strength steel pipes, which is 2.5 times stronger. Its products are used on the side of automobiles and around the engine. The weight of steel used is reduced by 30-50%, which can effectively reduce costs. It is expected to start selling in 2012.

Japan's Toray and Teijin have accelerated the introduction of low-cost production technology for carbon fiber. For example, Toray has developed a technology that quickly fuses carbon fiber with resin, and the time has been reduced from the past one hour to less than 10 minutes. DIC has invested 8 billion yen to produce complete sets of high-performance resins that can replace metals. The products can be used to replace automotive parts, and it plans to produce 500 tons per year.

In order to improve vehicle fuel efficiency, auto companies around the world are fiercely competing in reducing vehicle body weight. Japan’s Ministry of State, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has proposed that by 2020, auto fuel efficiency is 24.1% higher than in 2009, and the United States has developed similar Provisions. In the field of hybrid and electric vehicles, competition among countries is extremely fierce. Europe, China, and South Korea are stepping up to catch up with Japan, which is technologically advanced. Because Japanese companies have a large number of advanced technologies in many fields, it is a very favorable condition for Japanese cars.

Through the continuous development and practical use of light raw materials, the cooperation between auto companies and raw material companies can be deepened, and if the yen appreciates significantly, it will help improve and maintain the competitiveness of Japanese companies.