Ford Enters Joint Venture to Develop Low-Cost Carbon Fiber

The use of carbon fiber is almost exclusively reserved for expensive sports cars, but that is set to change. 

A new joint venture between Ford and DowAksa has been finalized and looks to advance the production of low-cost, automotive-grade carbon fiber. This will allow Ford to spread the lightweight material to its cheaper offerings, allowing its cars to be lighter and therefore more fuel efficient.

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The partnership may lead to a potential commercial manufacturing deal between the two companies as well.

“Automotive manufacturers’ use of carbon fiber composites has been hindered by the absence of both high-volume manufacturing methods and affordable material formats,” said DowAska Vice Chairman Mehmet Ali Berkman. “This partnership combines the individual strengths of each company to target these challenges.”

Ford is already working with the lightweight material, recently revealing the Ford GT supercar which uses a carbon fiber tub. Carbon fiber wheels are also an option on the Mustang GT350R.

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