LG Chem, Volkswagen partner on next-generation automotive materials

LG Chem signed an agreement with Volkswagen Group to jointly develop next-generation and eco-friendly materials for vehicles, the Korean chemical maker said Monday. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), a nonbinding agreement, was signed recently at the LG Twin Towers in Seoul's Yeouido financial district. Stefan Gramse, a Volkswagen Group executive vice president in charge of exterior parts procurement, and LG Chem executives from its petrochemicals business attended the signing. Under the deal, the two companies will use LG Chem's acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and engineering plastics to make vehicles lighter, improve performance and develop new plastics and composite materials. Both are high-performance plastics known for impact strength, durability and ease of processing, and are widely used in home appliance casings and car interiors and exteriors. Volkswagen will also consider wider use of LG Chem's post-consumer recycled plastics, made from products discarded by consumers, as well as lower-cost materials for the interiors and exteriors of its major car brands. The companies agr