With global pressures rising to create a new generation of super-efficient vehicles, new carmakers are focusing on developing alternative energy vehicles (AEVs). And Bayer MaterialScience (BMS; Pittsburgh, PA; www.bayermaterialsciencenafta.com) announced a strategic collaboration with startup automotive OEM Velozzi (Beverly Hills, CA; www.velozzi.org) to offer material and technology expertise. The companies worked together to participate in the Progressive Automotive X Prize competition, and BMS will help to facilitate taking AEVs from concept cars to the showroom floor. Velozzi is designing multiple lightweight, plug-in, multi-fuel hybrid electric vehicles that will use a number of technologies and materials from BMS.

"Collaborating with BMS brings us a world of possibilities on the road to consumer acceptance," said Roberto Velozzi, Velozzi CEO. "With the broad selection of innovative materials and technologies BMS offers, we can produce a vehicle that not only appeals to consumers' desire for fuel economy, but also their sense of style."

"BMS is committed to the AEV market and has a deep understanding of the role innovative materials play from concept through commercialization," said David Loren, market lead, PCS Group, BMS. "We are actively seeking collaborations with suppliers and OEMs to help them navigate through the complex AEV challenges such as vehicle weight and manufacturability."

In addition to the materials used, Loren notes that there's a difference between traditional automobiles and AEVs in the manner in which the materials are used in the vehicles to meet the unique demands of the market. "Any way you look at it, the AEV market represents a paradigm shift that impacts all aspects of vehicle design and production," said [email protected]