October 6, 201114 yr Unique water-based ‘three-wet’ process cuts emissions on Chevrolet Sonic Link: http://www.egmcartech.com/2011/09/30/water-based-three-wet-paint-chevrolet-sonic/ General Motors has begun using a new eco-friendly paint technology on the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic. A “three-wet” paint is a water based process that takes out the drying step in between paint layers, so the vehicle only needs to go through the bake oven process once, at the end. Cutting its carbon footprint by 10 percent the Orion Assembly Center saves space and lowers energy requirements for heating and cooling. Mauricio Pincheira, Orion’s paint manger says “Cutting our greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our energy consumption were key to implementing our water-based ‘three-wet’ paint process. We want to provide a durable paint that impresses our first-time Chevrolet Sonic customers and maintain the tough environmental standards we have across the company.” The paint technique is being used with increased frequency across the globe, although this is its first usage in the U.S. Color and shine are expected to be extremely durable and long lasting. Once the process is fully implemented, manufacturing costs will be cut by about $40 per unit and trims greenhouse gas emissions by 80,000 metric tons per year.
October 7, 201114 yr 40 bucks...............not sure i would risk unproven for 40 bucks.... Saving $40 is a very small risk, considering the car costs over $10k retail.
October 7, 201114 yr Didn't you read Reg? It's already being used in other factories, the Sonic is just the first to use the process in the U.S.
October 7, 201114 yr 40 bucks...............not sure i would risk unproven for 40 bucks.... Saving $40 is a very small risk, considering the car costs over $10k retail. He's not saying the risk is the cost, the risk is the newer process. *edit* it's also entirely likely that the cost savings is much greater than $40, since it sounds like they're greatly increasing the speed of the paint process, and reducing steps/complication. From a lean point of view, that's very valuable. Edited October 7, 201114 yr by PurdueGuy
October 7, 201114 yr but the car is more expensive than its competition The Sonic is exactly in line with it's competition except the penalty box Versa Sedan, especially considering that every review so far lists it as the most fun to drive sub-compact out there today. Sonic Sedan Base - $13,735 Sonic Hatch Base - $14,635 Fiesta Sedan Base - $13,200 Fiesta Hatch Base - $15,500 Versa Sedan Base - $10,990 Versa Hatch Base - $14,380 Fit Hatch Base - $15,175 Yaris 5-door Base - $15,140 Caliber - $17,380 Accent Sedan Base - $14,195 Accent Hatch Base - $14,995 Rio Sedan Base - $12,295 Rio Hatch Base - $13,600
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