Honda, Nissan, Toray aim to mass produce fiber-body cars

will be joined in their efforts by textile firms Mitsubishi Rayon Co. , plastic parts maker Takagi Seiko Corp. and researchers from the University of Tokyo, the Nikkei report added. The joint efforts come during steep increases in iron ore prices recently, which have in turn inflated steel prices and raw material costs for automakers across the world. Although carbon fiber now is several times more expensive than steel or aluminum, the price gap is expected to narrow because there is significant room for increasing production of the new material, according to the report. If successful, the efforts will help produce lighter vehicles than can also improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Successful mass production would also be a big leap in the evolution of the automotive industry, as although it is tough and light,... [read full story]