ON THE FAST LANE WITH BAYVISION

A current example for the implementation of BayVision is the Car i-mode concept that Bayer MaterialScience developed together with Hyundai.

„Fast, faster, the fastest“ is the motto of many automotive manufacturers. However, cars must also be more stylish, modern, and, especially, environmentally clean. It is not easy for material producers to stay on top of this trend as the requirements of automotive companies and designers are getting more demanding. But not only car manufacturers are picky. Consumers, too, only want the best. Today’s drivers often dream of a cool car with low gas consumption, sporting a transparent roof or flexible windows.

The answer to these wishes is Makrolon from Bayer MaterialScience (BMS). The high-tech material leaves hardly any fancy unfulfilled. Innovative automotive products are offered under the brand name BayVision.

Makrolon can be used for taillights and dashboards, and it can also replace glass windows. Volkhard Krause, global head of the Automotive Glazing
team at Bayer MaterialScience, says, “We know how to make the plastic optimally weather- and scratch-resistant, and we can tailor the coating process to each individual component.” The plastic is not only sturdy and scratch-resistant and it can be shaped as desired, but is also lightweight. In view of increasing gas prices, using Makrolon to reduce the weight of the car results in lower gas consumption. The roof module of the Mercedes GL and the panorama roof of the
smart fortwo are already in full-scale production, both incorporating Makrolon.

Makrolon has another advantage. “Glazing made of polycarbonate can be produced in an ultra-modern injection molding process, making it possible to directly integrate functions and parts, such as speedometers with their faces, or antennas into front windows," says Krause.

The polycarbonate Makrolon makes many dreams come true – for automobile manufacturers, designers, engineers, and consumers.