TOLEDO, Ohio — The 2014 Jeep Cherokee is all-new, inside and out, including a body sealer made from plant materials.
Special applicators
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 vehicle’s 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.
Soy-based product
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.
Shelf life
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 Group’s 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.
