CORUS NEOTEC FUEL TANK MATERIAL TO HELP FORD MEET ELV DIRECTIVE
12 May 2003 - Corus Automotive

Launched to the automotive market earlier this year, the new lead-free metallic-coated steel has been developed specifically to help vehicle manufacturers meet future environmental legislation that requires emission-free fuel tanks and sets recycling targets for vehicles at the end of their life.

One of the major drivers behind the carmaker’s decision to switch to Neotec has been the European End-of-Life Vehicle (ELV) directive, which from July this year requires vehicle manufactures to remove heavy metals such as lead and mercury from vehicle components.

The directive also dictates ELV material recovery or re-use rates of over 85 per cent of the whole vehicle from 2006 and over 95 per cent from 2015. Neotec, which is 100 per cent recyclable, will help vehicle manufacturers meet these stringent recycling requirements.

Another major driver that has implications for all carmakers is legislation such as the Californian Partial Zero Emission Vehicle legislation (PZEV) requiring vehicles to have zero fuel evaporative emissions. Corus anticipates that as other American states and automotive markets, including Europe, adopt similar legislation so vehicle manufactures will come under increasing pressure to develop an alternative to the plastic fuel tank. Even adapted plastic fuel tanks designed to reduce permeation will struggle to meet PZEV legislation and moreover will significantly increase manufacturing costs.

Commenting on the positive response from the automotive industry following the recent launch of Neotec, Andrew Milner, business manager, Corus Colors said: “Naturally we are delighted to have won the contract; but we are not surprised by the demand for environmentally friendly fuel tanks. Ford has recognised that Neotec is an innovative material that offers a cost-effective solution that will help it to meet ELV targets whilst maintaining the same high safety and quality standards.

Mr Milner continued: “Neotec properties allow it to be formed into complex shapes using conventional stamping and welding processes. Additional design flexibility can be achieved using the latest hydroforming techniques, making Neotec suitable for models such as the Ford Ka and StreetKa. In addition, the inherent cost advantages of steel also make Neotec an ideal product for high volume production models.”

Neotec is a hot-dip tin-zinc alloy coated steel available in both coil and sheet.
It has undergone an extensive and rigorous test programme to make sure that the material is durable when exposed to road conditions such as salt spray and water. Neotec is compatible with all types of European fuels including petrol, diesel and Biodiesel.

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