From the Desk of Mike ‘The Hammer’ Garvin

Soy foam: improved comfort, cleaner
environment in the new Ford Mustang

By  Auto123.com

Ford Motor Company, together with Lear Corporation, will begin production of soy-based foam for seats in the 2008 Mustang.

             
Ford

It's not the first time that Ford incorporates soy-based materials into its products. At the beginning of the 20th century, the company's founder, Henry Ford, used soybeans to manufacture his legendary Model Ts, more precisely the paint and some molded plastic parts.

A friendlier environment

The environmental benefits of soy foam include a reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions when compared to current petroleum-based material, less energy required to produce the material, up to 24 percent renewable content, and a reduced dependence on volatile energy markets.

Most automakers today use 100 percent petroleum-based polyol foam. In fact, each vehicle now contains an average of 30 pounds of petroleum-based foam.

By teaming with a world leader in environmental systems for automotive seating and electronics, Ford makes a strong statement. The auto industry, the environment, soy producers and, hopefully, consumers will benefit from this innovation.
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