Zeons Corporation (ZEON)

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’08 Mustang to have soy-based foam in seats
July 12, 2007

By JEWEL GOPWANI

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

The Ford Mustang, a sports car known more for its performance than earth consciousness, is slated to be the first production vehicle to use soy-based foam in its seats, the automaker said Thursday.

Ford Motor Co. plans to use foam made in part from soybean oil in the seat cushions and seat backs of the 2008 Ford Mustang that roll off the line in August.

Ford worked with Southfield-based seat maker Lear Corp. on the renewable foam, which takes less energy to produce, so it emits less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

To make the soy-based foam ready for mass production, however, the companies had to overcome other emissions challenges like its nutty, soybean smell and oily residue.

Ford said environmental advantages include reduced carbon dioxide emissions in manufacturing compared to petroleum-based foam, lower energy use to produce the soy foam and reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Contact JEWEL GOPWANI at 313-223-4550 or [e-mail]. The Associated Press contributed to this story.