New Toyota Prius - Greener Than You May Think

Toyota's new hybrid vehicle, "Prius á" (Prius alpha), features automotive interior parts made of DuPont™ Sorona® EP polymer, a high-performance, renewably sourced thermoplastic resin, contributing to the advanced interior design while also reducing the environmental footprint.

Toyota launched the "Prius á" in Japan in May 2011.

The new Toyota Prius alpha hybrid vehicle debuts with interior components made of DuPont™ Sorona® EP renewably sourced polymer.

Developed in close collaboration with DuPont Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Motor Corporation, Kojima Press Industry Co., Ltd. and Howa Plastics Co., Ltd., the parts are used on the instrument-panel air-conditioning system outlet.

Sorona® EP was selected for this precisely engineered, functional component for its heat resistance and durability required to control the intensity and direction of the air blowing out of the outlet.
DuPont™ Sorona® EP polymers contain between 20 percent and 37 percent renewably sourced material (by weight) derived from plant sugar. The new material exhibits performance and molding characteristics similar to petroleum-based, high-performance PBT (polybutylene terephthalate).

Sorona® EP thermoplastic polymer production reduces both carbon dioxide emissions and the use of petrochemicals used to produce the PBT that is typically used for conventional auto interior parts. Sorona® EP also offers lower warpage and improved surface appearance, compared to PBT, to help streamline the manufacturing process.

Tell Us What You Think

Do you have a review, update or anything you would like to add to this news story?

Leave your feedback
Your comment type
Submit

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.