GM pickups get all-TPO instrument panels.

In a first for General Motors in the U.S., two vehicles--the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon compact pickup trucks--feature instrument panels injection molded of unpainted TPO. The material is a new grade, Sequel 2380, from Solvay Engineered Polymers, Auburn Hills, Mich. While GM produces TPO instrument panels in Europe, U.S. versions have utilized vinyl skin-and-foam constructions or painted PC/ABS. The unpainted TPO panel is a lower-cost alternative to both styles and saves even more by permitting elimination of sound insulation. Molding it with a grained Class-A finish eliminates the need for paint.

For the IP cover, glove-box door, and knee bolster, the Sequel TPO is colored at the press with a concentrate from PolyOne Corp., Avon Lake, Ohio. The colors used, medium dark pewter and very dark pewter, have concentrate letdown ratios of 50:1, providing cost savings over typical ratios of 25:1. The IP cover is molded by Intier Automotive, Newmarket, Ont., which assembles the part and ships it on a JIT schedule to GM's assembly plant in Shreveport, La. The glove-box door assembly and driver's knee bolster are molded for Intier by NYX Inc., Livonia, Mich.

Solvay developed Sequel 2380 TPO for this application. The grade has consistent low gloss rating of 4, giving it a leather-like appearance. IL also boasts extraordinary scratch resistance for a TPO and heat resistance up to 110 C. Solvay: [phone]/PTDirect: 717MV * PolyOne: [phone]/PTDirect: 386MF