Continental Structural Plastics Inc. of Auburn Hills, Mich., introduced the Tough Class A (TCA) Ultra Lite, a sheet molding compounding formulation with a lower specific gravity of 1.2 that does not sacrifice mechanical properties, surface quality and adhesion requirements.

The company said the material has been approved by major automakers and will go into a production vehicle beginning in January.

Design studies have shown that CSP Ultra Lite offers a weight savings of up to 21 percent over the company’s mid-density TCA Lite (with a 1.6 specific gravity), the company says.

“We have developed a patented technology that enables us to achieve superior weight savings without experiencing any degradation of mechanical properties,’ said CSP Chairman and CEO Frank Macher. He said TCA Ultra Lite is an affordable alternative to aluminum.

Tel. 248-823-5650, www.cspplastics.com.