Audi Urban Concept Car Emphasizes Carbon Fiber Composites

The Audi urban concept is a 1+1-seat, ultra-light car for congested urban spaces. The Audi urban concept combines elements of a racing car, a fun car and an urban car into one radical new concept. In addition to a Sportback model, Audi is also presenting a Spyder variant.

The Audi urban concept is not based on any previous model – its development is solely oriented on the strict principles of lightweight construction, efficiency and reduction. The result is a concept car with no unnecessary weight, and one that concentrates on the pure essence of sporty motion.

The Audi urban concept has a sleek body. The wheels are free-standing; their surrounding protective plates feature blinking strips of LED lights. The highly concentrated look of the technical study, with its forward-urging lines, is dynamic and emotional – it lends Audi’s design language a completely new impetus.

On board there is room for two people, their position slightly staggered and at a sporty, low level. All controls and materials are subject to the dictates of ultra-lightweight construction in order to ensure that the sensory experience they convey is unique and compelling. The driver can adjust the steering wheel and pedals to his own body measurements. Characteristic features of the Spyder include its low, continuous window area and its doors that open diagonally to the top.

The technology in the Audi urban concept reflects the full capabilities of the brand, especially when it comes to ultra-lightweight construction. The cockpit consists of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, which integrates the undercarriage of both seats. The Audi urban concept rolls on wheels with a 21-inch diameter.

Two e-tron electric motors provide the propulsion – providing the ultra-light Audi urban concept with the ability to accelerate powerfully. A lithium-ion battery supplies the energy – ideal for extended city tours.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on these timely, insightful reports, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. To learn more about Automotive Consulting and Automotive Market Please at visit www.lucintel.com.

Lincoln Composites Bags EUR 3.2 Million Contracts from Two Vietnamese Companies

Lincoln Composites has bagged contracts of worth EURO 3.2 million from two Vietnamese companies for supply of high-pressure composite tanks and storage modules. Lincoln Composites will supply 40 ft TITAN modules as well as 20 ft Smartstore modules using 450 litre TUFFSHELL cylinders to Petrovietnam Gas South and CNG Vietnam J-S Company. This is reportedly the third order to Petrovietnam.

The lightweight high-pressure modules will be used to transport compressed natural gas (CNG) to ceramic processing plants that require large consumption of gas at very high flow rate.

The TITAN modules contain 4 TITAN tanks, which are constructed from a high density polyethylene (HDPE) liner; a filament wound carbon fibre/epoxy composite shell, and a polyurethane outer coating. The 20 ft Smartstore modules act as an intermediate storage solution for regions where the roads do not allow the use of a 40 ft trailer.

Lucintel’s Report Outlines Double-Digit Growth for Carbon Fiber Industry: Market to Reach US $2.8 Billion by 2016

The global carbon fiber market has experienced significant growth over the last five years and is expected to continue its growth momentum and reach approximately US $2.8 billion by 2016 with a CAGR of 12% over the next five years.

Lucintel, a leading global management consulting and market research firm with thousands of clients, analyzes the global carbon fiber market and presents all findings in “Growth Opportunities in the Global Carbon Fiber Market 2011-2016” report.

Lucintel’s research indicates great demand for carbon fiber driven by new commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 787, Airbus A380, and A350 XWB; weight reductions in automobiles for greater performance and fuel efficiency; and growing use of carbon fiber in wind energy and offshore oil and gas development.

The global carbon fiber market’s anticipated double-digit growth through 2016 will be led by industrial and aerospace markets; however, the sporting goods market is likely to witness the lowest growth of 3.0%. The industrial market will be driven by wind energy, CNG tanks, civil structures, transportation, and various compound applications in the electrical and electronics industry. Carbon fiber prices expected to remain same because of supply demand stability over the next five years, however; greater competition from offshore suppliers such as from China and India, may ultimately drive down the cost of end products.

Research by Lucintel indicates brand loyalty will wane as industry fundamentals move toward a low-cost-to-serve model and new carbon fiber suppliers from several developing regions emerge.

The report provides trend scenarios during 2005-2010 and forecast statistics for 2011–2016; details the industry’s drivers and challenges; compares properties and prices; and highlights major carbon fiber suppliers. The report also describes the manufacturing process of carbon fiber, and more.

Additionally, another new Lucintel research report, “Worldwide Carbon Fiber Competitive Analysis and Leadership Study, 2011” examines and profiles seven of the world's leading carbon fiber producers. This report offers a full competitive analysis from target markets to product mapping, and from selling strategy to production capabilities.

For a detailed table of contents and pricing information on these timely, insightful reports, contact Lucintel at +1-972-636-5056 or via email at helpdesk@lucintel.com. To learn more, visit www.lucintel.com.

Vestas Receives a 202 MW Order from E.ON Climate & Renewables North America for 112 V100-1.8 MW Turbines for the USA

The contract includes delivery and commissioning along with a five-year service and maintenance agreement. Delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2012 and commissioning is expected in mid-2012.

“We are excited to again work with one of the leading wind-power operators in the world to move this project forward,” said Martha Wyrsch, President of Vestas-American Wind Technology, Inc. “E.ON chose a turbine that is specifically designed to capture the lower wind speeds of this area.”

Once finished, the project will provide enough electricity to power more than 60,000 American homes in a year. It also will create construction and turbine-maintenance jobs.

The contract includes Vestas’ Active Output Management (AOM) 4000 maintenance program. The AOM 4000 program guarantees turbine availability and includes all planned and unplanned maintenance services. AOM 4000 also includes continuous remote monitoring and surveillance of the project via the VestasOnline SCADA system.

Vestas last worked with E.ON on the 180 MW Papalote Creek wind power plant in San Patricio County, Texas, which was finished in 2009 and consists of 109 V82-1.65 MW turbines. This order marks Vestas’ sixth North American deal announced in 2011, totaling 976 MW among three turbine types.

Augrid's Carbon Composite Technologies Signs Licensing Agreement with Convection Strategies, LLC

Augrid Global Holdings Corporation apprised that its subsidiary, Carbon Composite Technologies (CCT) has signed a world-wide Licensing Agreement with Convection Strategies, LLC (CSLLC). The two companies have worked for nearly two years to prepare marketing literature and perform physical testing of several composite fiber architectures for presentation to the several major wind turbine blade manufacturers.

CCT's patented technology allows the manufacturing of 100 meter and larger blades which are becoming required for use in wind farms being deployed in the oceans. The larger blades provide more electricity with a fewer number of towers and CCT's patented process for construction and curing allow for the blade to be manufactured as one piece and cured without the use of an autoclave, dramatically decreasing the time and material costs, resulting in a significantly less expensive final product.

To get latest Carbon Fibers and Composite Materials you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Styron Expands EMERGE Advanced Resins Portfolio

Styron, the global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex and rubber, has made addition to its EMERGE Advanced Resins family in North America. The EMERGE PC/PET 9100CR Advanced Resin is a polycarbonate blend with superior chemical resistance properties, designed specifically for medical equipment housing applications.

“With an increased emphasis on managing the risk of hospital acquired infections (HAIs), medical professionals have enhanced their standard operating procedures for infection control,” said Martin Lindway, Styron’s global marketing manager. “One of the controls in place is the selection of newer chemicals and cleaning procedures for durable medical equipment.

“The challenge is that the chemicals used in this process are harsh and can attack plastic surfaces leading to crazing, cracking, and even initiating product failure. To combat this, Styron has developed a novel polycarbonate blend – the first in a series – with advanced chemical resistance properties to resist potential antagonists.”

Feedback from trials of EMERGE PC/PET 9100CR Advanced Resin indicates that it provides a unique aesthetically-pleasing appearance and enhanced environmental stress-crack resistance, while maintaining the toughness needed for housings. EMERGE PC/PET 9100CR is available in Natural and custom color options to help produce opaque housings with aesthetically-pleasing appearances.

New Anti-Dumping Procedure on Certain Glass Fibre Fabrics Originating In China

The Official Journal of the EU published a notice of initiation of anti-dumping proceedings concerning certain woven and/or stitched glass fibre fabrics, originating in China.

The complainant was lodged by the Glass Fibre Defence Coalition (GFFDC). The product under investigation is “fabrics of woven or stitched or woven and stitched continuous filament glass fibre rovings, excluding products which are impregnated or pre-impregnated (pre-preg), and excluding open mesh fabrics with cells with assize of more than 1.8 mm in both length and width and weighing more than 35 g/m² (the product under investigation)”(Art.2).

The European Commission invites all the relevant stakeholders to inform them as interested parties in the investigation within 15 days since the publication of the current notice. EuCIA, the European umbrella of the composites industry was notified as user of the product concerned and nominated as interested party in the proceedings.

To get latest News about Carbon Fibers and Aerospace Consulting you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Gamesa and Iberdrola Jointly Resolve to End Their Strategic Agreement for Developing Wind Farms

Gamesa and Iberdrola each gave official notice to Spain's National Securities Market Commission (CNMV) that they have agreed to unwind their strategic alliance in wind farm development (1) due to the global economic downturn, which has substantially changed market conditions, and the companies’ respective strategies.

The strategic agreement, originally signed on 13 June 2008 and amended on 23 September 2009, envisaged a series of cross-linked options on some Gamesa wind farms in Spain and other countries in Europe, as well as the possibility of joint development and operation of wind farm projects in said areas.

Notwithstanding today's announcement, Gamesa and Iberdrola, world leaders in their industries, hope to continue working together in the future to bolster their position in the wind energy business, as they have done for the past 15 years in a range of international markets.

The strategic agreement was signed by Iberdrola Renovables, S.A., Gamesa Energia, S.A. Unipersonal and Gamesa Corporacion Tecnologica, S.A. (“Gamesa”). As a result of the merger by absorption of Iberdrola Renovables, S.A. (acquired company) by Iberdrola, S.A. (acquiring company), Iberdrola, S.A. became a party to the strategic agreement.

To get latest Composite Materials and Wind Consulting you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Iberia Selects CF6 Engines for Its Airbus A330 Fleet

Iberia has selected GE's CF6-80E1 engines to power its fleet of eight firm Airbus A330 aircraft with an option for eight additional A330s. The engine order is valued at more than $260 million (USD) list price. Iberia has also signed a 15-year OnPointSM solution agreement for the material and services to be used in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the CF6 engine. The OnPoint agreement is valued at more than $200 million (USD) over the life of the contract.

"The CF6-80E1 engine incorporates the latest technology advances that will bring Iberia improve fuel efficient, reduce emissions, and increase engine time-on-wing," said Kevin McAllister, vice president and general manager of Global Sales at GE Aviation.
GE's CF6 engines powering more than 10 models of wide-body aircraft, has established an unparalleled record of reliability and has compiled more than 360 million flight-hours in service with close to 200 customers worldwide.
Iberia is Spain's largest air transport group and the fourth largest in Europe.

To get latest Aerospace Consulting and Composite Materials you can visit us at www.lucintel.com

Mahindra Group and Eurocopter Sign MOU for Trade Partnership to Strengthen the Civil Helicopter Industry in India

Mahindra Aerospace and Mahindra Satyam - representing the aerospace manufacturing and engineering capabilities of leading Indian industrial house, the Mahindra Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a trade partnership with the Eurocopter Group and its Indian subsidiary, Eurocopter India. The partnership will be focused on manufacturing of sub assemblies, engineering and customization of civil helicopters and the joint development of specific market segments. Details of the scope and structure of the partnership will be decided in the coming months.

Noting that Mahindra is a long established and respected multinational group with great engineering and manufacturing competencies, Lutz Bertling, President and CEO of Eurocopter, pointed out that, "the synergies between our two companies will enhance our contributions to the Indian civil helicopter market."

Mr. Hemant Luthra, Chairman of Mahindra Aerospace and President and Member of the Group Executive Board of Mahindra & Mahindra, said, "We are delighted to work with the world's leading helicopter manufacturer to contribute to the growth of the Indian aeronautical industry and civil aircraft market. Eurocopter has a solid, long term strategy for the growth of the India market, while we are already creating a niche for ourselves in the fixed-wing aircraft and aero structures manufacturing space. We see this MOU as a significant step forward for both of us as well as the domestic aviation industry."