Like BMW, which already has nearly 10 years of experience in this field and has a joint venture with the U.S. SGL Daimler starts to turn into plastic reinforced with carbon fiber (CFRP). The German group has signed a development agreement with Japan's Toray Industries to integrate this material on its new lighter models.

The first results should be visible in less than three years. The reinforced plastic carbon fiber has a weight of less than 30% and provides greater rigidity. Toray is the largest producer of carbon fiber in the world. Daimler aims to build on this expertise to design vehicles lighter and thus more environmentally friendly.

After years of inflation, which saw the weight of vehicles increased dramatically, all manufacturers are getting into the raft of relief. This is an important policy lever, as a lighter vehicle has a direct impact on emissions of CO2 and consumption. CFRP, which was introduced on high-end 2004, the SLR McLaren will therefore be more "democratic" to help Daimler to comply with future levels of CO2. The first model should be concerned SL 2012 .