Jeffrey Sternberg, Ph.D., has been named DuPont global automotive technology director.  In this role, he is charged to bring the breadth of DuPont advanced materials as well as renewably sourced materials and fuels to the auto industry as it continues to develop low emission, fuel efficient vehicles that are safe, affordable and fun to drive.

“The industry is examining every component and every system to lower CO2 and improve fuel economy,” said Sternberg. “The industry is changing and DuPont’s portfolio is changing along with it.  Advanced materials and renewably sourced materials are central to making those systems lighter, more efficient and sustainable.” 

DuPont is expanding its portfolio of lightweighting solutions and is working with automakers and tier one component manufacturers on developmental projects using DuPont Vizilon, a developmental thermoplastic composite technology, for structural or load-bearing components, such as seat structures, lift-gates, cross members, bumper beams and suspension systems. 

With PSA Peugeot Citroen, the developmental technology a side impact beam showed a 40 percent weight reduction compared to ultra-high strength (UHSS) steel, while passing PSA Peugeot Citroën’s crash test.

DuPont also strengthened its alignment between its Performance Materials business, which includes plastics and elastomers, and its Industrial Biosciences business with a focus on adding to its broad portfolio of renewably sourced materials.

Additionally, DuPont’s new cellulosic biorefinery in Iowa, which will use corn stover as feedstock, is on track to start up in the second half of 2014.  This is part of a multi-pronged approach to making cellulosic biorefining a reality: It comprises a fully integrated technology package, scalable and sustainable biomass supply chain expertise and industry-leading enzyme production.

These advances are built on a portfolio of more than 100 product families for the automotive industry.  DuPont’s global development experts are focused primarily on solutions that help enable lightweighting, engine efficiency, electrification and alternative drive systems and the adoption of renewably sourced solutions.  DuPont uses a unique combination of sciences, proven research and development engine, broad global reach and deep market penetration to drive cost-effective breakthroughs that will advance their efforts.

“The dynamics of the industry are reflected in the dynamics of the portfolio and I am excited to be in a role that is central to working with customers, understanding their needs and challenging our global research and development group to discover solutions,” said Sternberg. “Advanced materials play a critical role. We know we need to build on that portfolio and we need to do that working closely with customers and the overall industry.”

Sternberg joined DuPont in 1988 as a synthesis chemist for DuPont Crop Protection.  He held several roles in the Crop Protection business before advancing to management. In 2006, he joined Central Research & Development, Materials Science and Engineering, where he led a group focused on developing materials solutions for photovoltaics that improve conversion efficiency, lower cost and extend system lifetime.

DuPont Automotive offers more than 100 materials and products for the global automotive industry.  Through its global application development network, DuPont Automotive is committed to collaborating with customers throughout the value chain to develop new products, materials, components and systems that help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and protect people and the environment.