Abstract
Automotive manufacturers have an obligation to respond to the current debate about climate protection by reducing the fuel consumption of their products. However, developing more efficient engines is only one way of achieving this. There is also great potential for reducing the weight of the vehicle. CO2 emissions per kilometer fall by around 13 grams for every 100 kilograms saved. However, the challenge is to develop concepts that are at least as cost-effective as current series solutions. The best way of achieving this is to use further developed plastics that can also be adapted flexibly to specific requirements profiles. When these plastics are used in conjunction with new concepts and/or material combinations, they also open up a host of new possibilities for future designs.