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Carmakers Agree on Plan to Accelerate Tests for Resin Substitutes

A group of 26 carmakers and suppliers have tentatively agreed to an accelerated validation process for alternatives to PA-12, a nylon resin used in fuel and brake systems.

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A group of 26 carmakers and suppliers have tentatively agreed to an accelerated validation process for alternatives to PA-12, a nylon resin used in fuel and brake systems.

The industry has been scrambling for supply since an explosion at an Evonik Industries plant in Germany on March 31 eliminated half the world's source of cyclododecatriene, a key ingredient in the resin. Evonik also produces about 25% of the world's PA-12.

Evonik has said it will take several months to repair the damaged factory. U.S. carmakers don't expect shortages for several weeks, but analysts say the European auto industry could be hurt within days.

Monday's meeting of industry representatives was facilitated by the Southfield, Mich.-based Automotive Industry Action Group. AIAG says Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Hyundai-Kia, PACCAR and Volkswagen agreed to support a shortened testing and validation process developed by the consortium's technical committees.

The industry representatives will meet again on April 30 to finalize the plan.

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