1 Dec 2008

Rhodia and Trelleborg Automotive Carbody use MMI* for the pedal and pedal module of the new Citroën C5 in Technyl®

Lyon, France – December 1, 2008 – Rhodia contributes to the new Citroën C5 pedal and the adjustable pedal module developed by Trelleborg Automotive Carbody, by delivering both rheological calculation and MMI technology along with its Technyl® high performance engineering plastic. With this project, Technyl® confirms its key role in weight reduction and function integration based on its excellent mechanical resistance and ease of processing.

The project is stemmed from a close collaboration between Rhodia and Trelleborg Automotive Carbody.

Rhodia has provided its technical expertise, the unique characterization of its Technyl® grades and its predictive calculation. Trelleborg has brought its function expertise, its ability in innovative concepts and its know-how the industrialization of injected parts.

After rheological calculation which has helped Trelleborg to optimize the injection process, Rhodia has developed more predictive structural calculation. Those results based on MMI, a new simulation approach created by Rhodia, take into account the glass fibres’ orientation and distribution in the final part.

The calculation results obtained through MMI demonstrate a high level of reliability compared to physical tests on the complete pedal module (pedal and support) and thus allow to develop a more predictive structure calculation on polyamide Technyl®, even for crash calculation.

MMI confirms thus its role in optimizing part design and time-to-market quest.

« This new success underlines Rhodia’s ability to be proactive in car weight reduction and to accompany its customers in their innovative projects, both in material field and simulation prediction” comments Vincent Lajotte, marketing director of Rhodia Polyamide.

The use of Technyl® allows Trelleborg to create a far lighter pedal module integrating the plate and the pedal, reducing weight by 50% compared to metal, whilst maintaining rigidity for the whole module.

With Technyl®, Trelleborg was able to integrate the pedal function down to a patented Release Pedal in case of crash that increases the driver’s protection and people’s safety.

« The Trelleborg plastic pedal module answers to the growing demand of constructors in terms of weight reduction and functionality integration. With our extreme expertise and the support of our partner, we are also preparing a new innovative plastic pedal module, to present you soon”, comments Stéphane Birebent, Technical Director of Trelleborg Reims.

* Multi-scale modelling / Mechanical calculation / Injection moulding simulation

Reader enquiries

Rhodia Engineering Plastics
Avenue Ramboz
F-69192 Saint-Fons Cedex
France

+33 4 72 89 29 24

jerome.pisani@eu.rhodia.com

www.rhodia.com

Notes for editors

Rhodia Polyamide

Rhodia Polyamide is Rhodia's fully integrated enterprise focusing on Polyamide 6.6. Its strategy rests on three pillars: a high worldwide competitiveness of intermediates & polymers along with strong development of the industrial footprint in fast growing regions; the strengthening of engineering plastics as a growth engine; and a focus on Asia and Brazil as priority regions for expansion beyond our European base. In South America, Rhodia Polyamide also holds strong positions in phenol and adiponitrile route, industrial yarns and fibers.

For further details about Rhodia Polyamide visit the website at www.rhodia-polyamide.com.

Rhodia

Rhodia is an international chemical company resolutely committed to sustainable development. As a leader in its businesses, the Group aims to improve its customers’ performance through the pursuit of operational excellence and its ability to innovate. Structured around six Enterprises, Rhodia is the partner of major players in the automotive, tire, electronics, perfume, health & beauty and home care markets. The Group employs around 15,000 people worldwide and generated sales of €4.8 billion in 2007. Rhodia is listed on Euronext Paris.

For further details about the Group, visit Rhodia’s website at: www.rhodia.com.

Trelleborg

Trelleborg is a global industrial group whose leading positions are based on advanced polymer technology and indepth applications know-how. We develop high-performance solutions that damp, seal and protect in demanding industrial environments.

Trelleborg was founded in 1905 and its headquarters are located in Trelleborg, Sweden. Today, the Group has about 25,000 employees and operations in some 40 countries.

Trelleborg Automotive

Trelleborg Automotive is a world-leader in the development and production of polymer-based components and systems used for noise and vibration damping for passenger cars and light and heavy trucks.

Five business segments

• Antivibration Solutions: noise and vibrationdamping solutions for all vehicle segments.

• Damping Solutions: brake shims and Applied Damping Materials (ADM).

• Insulation & Applied Solutions: polymer boots for drive shafts and steering applications, and foam polymer-based car body components and safety impact protection products.

• Fluid Solutions: engine-cooling and airsupply solutions.

• Gas Springs: spring-based door-opening and closing solutions.

For further details about the Group, visit Trelleborg’s website at www.trelleborg.com.