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INEOS Styrolution’s composite StyLight® accelerates BMW M cars

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19.11.20

Frankfurt, Germany



© BMW M “Carbon Shift Paddles”

  • Aesthetic carbon look
  • Cost-effective production

INEOS Styrolution, the global leader in styrenics, announced today that BMW M has selected the aesthetic composite StyLight® as the material of choice for a new generation of ergonomically optimised carbon shift paddles.

The selected material for the shift paddle application is INEOS Styrolution’s carbon composite StyLight Aesthetic S C245-1-060, backmoulded with PC/SAN GF30. It was specifically developed for automotive interior and exterior applications and a range of applications in the electronics as well as the sports and leisure industries.

In addition to its aesthetic appearance, StyLight offers a high chemical resistance. The StyLight solution meets all high BMW M standards.

A significant benefit of the solution is its cost-effectiveness. For example, StyLight can be used without coating (compared to a PC based composite) and no extra compression moulding step is required since the high surface appearance is achieved directly by the backmoulding step.

Martin Köhler, Business Development Manager Composites at INEOS Styrolution comments: “I am excited about the collaboration with BMW M. This is the kind of application we developed StyLight for.”

Shift paddles allow drivers of cars with automatic transmission to manually shift gears. While automatic transmissions are very advanced, some drivers still prefer to shift gears manually to anticipate bends in the road, to select a more responsive gear or taking advantage of the engine speed to slow the car, particularly in bad weather or slippery descents.



ABOUT INEOS STYROLUTION

INEOS Styrolution is the leading global styrenics supplier, with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 90 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering innovative and sustainable best-in-class solutions, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets, and at the same time, help make the circular economy for styrenics a reality. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging and toys/sports/leisure. In 2019, sales were at 5 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,600 people and operates 20 production sites in ten countries.