Dow Corning Stresses Importance of Teamwork to Advance Automotive Solutions to Meet System-design Challenges

Midland, Michigan, USA -- Dow Corning Corporation, a global leader in silicone and silicon-based technology and innovation, stresses the importance of collaboration with vehicle OEMs and tier suppliers to find cost-effective solutions for system-design challenges. Teamwork and close working relationships can help develop new technology quicker, taking full advantage of the companys specialty materials, problem-solving expertise and global technical support.

"Dow Corning has provided innovation support for a wide range of automotive needs over the years, yet the pace of change and demand for better, lower-cost, high-performing materials now require coordinated efforts at all levels of the value chain," said Marjorie Dwane, Dow Corning Automotive, Aviation and Aerospace Global Market Manager. "Our experience, ingenuity and design collaboration can help vehicle OEMs and tier suppliers meet their most pressing needs for sustainable innovation, enhanced reliability and cost in use."

According to Dwane, Dow Corning has helped the industry make many key advances in meeting its vehicle-system performance needs. Molykote brand Smart Lubrication solutions enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions, provide brake friction control, reduce noise and vibration, and help extend component service life. Silastic brand and Dow Corning brand engineered elastomers provide effective solutions for inflatable-restraint systems, fluid and air delivery, engine sealing and gasketing, electrical protection, and vibration control. Dow Corning brand performance adhesives and sealants offer proven, high-strength bonding and sealing solutions for lighting-system manufacturing and interior-component assembly.

These Dow Corning technologies are supported by the companys structure and culture of problem-solving innovation, which is focused on meeting automotive requirements for safety, reliability, comfort, fuel efficiency and sustainability. Existing technologies are applied to deliver results - effective solutions with known costs and reduced risks - to meet todays needs. Advanced technologies - forged in collaboration with current and prospective customers - are being developed to meet tomorrows challenges.

Many of the newer technologies, according to Dwane, are built around sustainable innovation and can contribute to design lightweighting for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. These include piston coatings for gas and diesel engines to reduce frictional losses; green tire development for less road noise and rolling resistance; advanced silicone and fluorosilicone elastomers for turbocharger hoses and diesel particulate emissions control; bright white LED lighting; thermal interface materials for batteries used on electric and hybrid vehicles; silicone-based engine and transmission oil additives; eco-friendly thermoplastic composites; and ultrapure silicon carbide for next-generation, energy-conserving electronics.

"Always cost-conscious, highly regulated and benchmarking ever-higher levels of content and performance, todays automotive industry provides many challenges that Dow Corning can help meet with our specialty materials, expertise and support," Dwane said. "Collaboration - robust teamwork turning ideas into innovations - will be an essential business dynamic going forward."

About Dow Corning

Dow Corning provides performance-enhancing solutions to serve the diverse needs of more than 25,000 customers worldwide. A global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, Dow Corning offers more than 7,000 products and services through the Dow Corning and XIAMETER brands. Dow Corning is equally owned by The Dow Chemical Company and Corning, Incorporated. More than half of Dow Cornings annual sales are outside the United States.