ACE Knowledge in the Automotive Sector

Compared with metal constructions, fibre composites allow for technical and economic advantages, both for bodies-in-white and for powertrain.



UX 100 with driver's cab built according to CFRP / RTM construction method

The CFC driver's cab of the UX 100 and the Unimog U200 are novelties in the motor automotive engineering sector. The body-in-white of the UX 100 weighs only 70 kg and consists of only seven alternatively eight components that are manufactured according to the RTM method and are then structurally bonded. The weight of the fibre composite cab of the U200/300 is approximately 100 kg.

With this method, it was possible to meet all relevant regulations (EEC, ECE-R29), pass all tests (impact tests etc.) and to produce series of 1,000 cabins per year (UX 100) and 2,500 cabins per year (U200/300).

UX 100
Body-in-white UX 100


Unimog U200/300 with driver's cab manufactured according to CFRP / RTM construction method

Unimog U200/300
Unimog U200/300


CFRP Hardtop

An RTM production technique was developed for a hardtop (MercedesBenz-SL) made of fibre composites of which 13,000 units are produced every year. The entire structure is 10 kg (30 %) lighter than an equivalent structure made of aluminium, and, with a standard coating, it meets the Class-A surface requirements.

Mercedes Benz SL
CFRP Hardtop


Powertrain: CFRP cardan shaft

Various CFRP fibre composite cardan shafts were developed, manufactured according to a multiple-axial filament winding method and then tested. The flanges were connected by means of injection moulding, which is inexpensive

CFRP cardan shaft