Soy foam for improved comfort and a cleaner environment in the Ford Mustang

Ford Motor Company, together with Lear Corporation, will begin production of soy-based foam for seats in the 2008 Mustang.

It's not the first time that Ford incorporates soy-based materials into its products. At the beginning of the 20^th century, the company's founder, Henry Ford, used soybeans to manufacture his legendary Model Ts, more precisely the paint and some molded plastic parts.

A friendlier environment
The environmental benefits of soy foam include a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when compared to current petroleum-based material, less energy required to produce the material, up to 24 percent renewable content, and a reduced dependence on volatile energy markets. Most automakers today use 100 percent petroleum-based polyol foam. In fact, each vehicle now contains an average of 30 pounds of petroleum-based foam.

By teaming with a world leader in environmental systems for automotive seating and electronics, Ford makes a strong statement. The auto industry, the environment, soy producers and, hopefully, consumers will benefit from this innovation.
photo:Ford