Dow Automotive & Chrysler Develop BETAFOAM™, a Soy-based Sealant to Block Unwanted Noise in Vehicles

The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is all-new, inside and out, including a revolutionary body sealer that helps deliver a tranquil driving experience while contributing to weight-reduction, cost-savings and sustainability.

The Toledo Assembly Complex, home to the all-new Jeep Cherokee, features special applicators that inject a unique acoustic foam into strategic locations of the vehicles body structure. The foam blocks unwanted noise from entering the vehicle cabin, but because its density is lower than conventional acoustic material, it affords weight savings of up to 1.5 lbs. per vehicle, which contributes to improved fuel economy and better handling.

"At Chrysler Group, we are working on a number of initiatives that further our sustainability efforts while also addressing key product goals, such as on-road refinement combined with off-road ruggedness for the all-new 2014 Jeep Cherokee," said Bill Hall-Director of Sustainability and Business Continuity. "This new foam not only helps deliver noise reduction and improved fuel efficiency, but its renewable content minimizes the impact on the environment."

Developed with and supplied by Dow Automotive Systems, BETAFOAM™ Renue features a soy-based product instead of the petroleum normally used in such material. And because its density is lower than that of conventional material, less foam is required to achieve the desired performance, which translates to reduced cost.

The new foam bolsters 10 locations of the Cherokees body structure, including the A- and B-pillars and rear wheelwells. Because of its lower viscosity, it also is easier to work with than conventional acoustic material - a decided advantage on the assembly line. In addition, the new foam affords greater logistical flexibility for the plant because its six-month shelf life is two times longer than that of commonly used foam.

The new foam was first used early this year at Chrysler Groups Sterling Heights Assembly plant, home to the 2013 Chrysler 200 and Dodge Avenger midsize sedans. Existing equipment was adapted to accommodate the injection process there, whereas the Toledo site features all-new equipment.

About Dow Automotive

Dow Automotive Systems is a technology-driven solutions provider offering products and technologies that bolster safety and health performance, improve energy efficiency and enhance quality and appeal, while reducing manufacturing costs. The company delivers cost-effective and usable answers to OEM and Tier suppliers toughest interior, exterior and powertrain application questions.

About Chrysler Group

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 to establish a global strategic alliance with Fiat S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, FIAT and Mopar vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler Groups culture of innovation, first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925, and Fiats complementary technology that dates back to its founding in 1899.