It is well known that the automotive industry has entered an era of unprecedented change. New mobility concepts are on their way, such as autonomous cars, ride hailing and connected cars. OEMs and Tiers are pushing the envelope entering new business models in future mobility concepts. Environmental legislation is driving electrification and engine downsizing. These are just some of the factors that are demanding more capable, higher-performing and more innovative automotive solutions that are, at the same time, cost-effective. High-performance polymers have gained an important role to play in meeting these goals.

To create value for its customers, Victrex strives to develop PAEK solutions based on megatrends and expected needs of the industry – e.g. by looking at tomorrow’s challenges across the entire field of mobility, and by selectively moving further downstream into forms and parts, i.e. APTIV™ film for use in electrical insulation spaces or HPG™ gears for demanding engine applications

While Victrex’s materials solutions for automotive may typically involve small components, they can have, nevertheless, a considerable impact. Continuous innovation that addresses improvement in application performance is an integral part of their strategy. Using its in-depth material processing and application know-how, the company works with its customers through each step of the value chain, to help solve current challenges and improve cost-effectiveness. This in turn helps customers bring their products to market faster.

Proactive investment in the development of next-generation thermoplastic solutions that drive future performance enabled Victrex to open a world-class Polymer Innovation Centre in November 2017. The new centre not only addresses material innovation but also different aspects of polymer R&D, including applications development by researchers with a tier-1 background, and external consultants able to offer an OEM perspective.

The powertrain in both ICE and PHEV/BEV is currently one of Victrex´s focus areas where the use of PEEK polymers enables benefits such as improved reliability, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of components in demanding spaces. With e-mobility and other forms of future mobility, Victrex goes beyond the vehicle itself and considers a variety of factors within the automotive ecosystem, for instance, ‘Mobility as a Service’ (MaaS) or the charging infrastructure for EVs. The aim is to address both the automotive challenges of today and the megatrends impacting tomorrow and to work with leading automotive companies to find new ways to solve complex design requirements.

The Victrex strategy for enhanced future performance is to be a partner in development, and not just a resin supplier. Several acquisitions such as Kleiss Gears or fibres manufacturer Zyex, and joint ventures like TxV Aero Composites and more recently investments in moulding technology company Surface Generation and Bond High-Performance 3D Technology, underline this approach and expand Victrex's ability to offer differentiated PEEK-based solutions.