Elastomers give one fine ride

Oct. 23, 2003
The Cadillac CTS was recently honored with the Car Interior of the Year Award thanks in part to BASF's Elastoskin polyurethane material.

The Cadillac CTS was recently honored with the Car Interior of the Year Award thanks in part to BASF's Elastoskin polyurethane material. Elastoskin elastomers, an alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other skin materials commonly used for automotive interiors, are said to offer good grain definition and style, durability, abrasion resistance, weatherability and UV stability, and long-lasting gloss and color. They also are claimed to provide a soft feel over a wide temperature range.

The CTS' instrument and door panels are supplied by the Interiors Group of Intier Automotive, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada. Company officials there say the Elastoskin elastomers, in combination with the company's own Pur-Fect Skin technology, helps it create interior components with excellent grain definition, tactile feel, and durability.

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