Launched in February 2003 (see letsrecycle.com story), Neotec is a lead-free, metallic-coated steel for use in vehicle fuel tanks. Corus says the material will make it easier for producers to meet the hazardous substance criteria of the European End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive. From July this year, vehicle manufacturers are required to remove heavy metals including lead and mercury from vehicle components.
 Ford is using Neotec steel in its Ka model to meet new ELV regulations |
Using the metal in car fuel tanks instead of plastic will also bring down recycling costs, since it is easier to recycle metals from ELVs than plastics. The ELV Directive sets recovery or re-use targets for 85% of vehicles from 2006 and 95% from 2015.
Commenting on Ford's decision to use Neotec, Corus business manager Andrew Milner said: “Naturally we are delighted to have won the contract, but we are not surprised by the demand for environmentally friendly fuel tanks. Ford has recognised that Neotec is an innovative material that offers a cost-effective solution that will help it to meet ELV targets whilst maintaining the same high safety and quality standards.”
Ford produced about 137,000 Ka vehicles at its Valencia plant in 2001, with UK sales just over 54,200 in that year. Neotec from Corus is also used in vehicle fuel tanks by the MG Rover Group.
Increasing legislation around the world will force many other vehicle producers to seek alternatives to plastic fuel tanks, Corus believes. Neotec allows manufacturers to comply with the Californian Partial Zero Emission Vehicle regulations, which limits the permeation of fuel tanks.
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