Unique water-based ‘three-wet’ process cuts emissions on Chevrolet Sonic

[wildmanjoe]

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.

[PurdueGuy]

Sounds good, as long as it's as durable as the old method (or moreso).

[regfootball]

40 bucks...............not sure i would risk unproven for 40 bucks....

[riviera74]

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.

[Drew Dowdell]

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.

[PurdueGuy]

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, 2011 by PurdueGuy

[regfootball]

but the car is more expensive than its competition

[Drew Dowdell]

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