As Dustin Hoffman was advised in the film 'The Graduate' -- "one word you should watch in the future is . . . Plastics!" At least Chrysler thinks so. While it is hard to beat steel for its fabrication versatility, strength and cost, emerging markets have environmental and cost demands that need new thinking. Taking direct inspiration from snap-together children's toys and kiddie cars, their Composite Concept Vehicle could cost about $6000, get 50 mpg, and be fully recyclable.

According to Bernard Robertson, Vice President - Engineering Technologies, "Before you could have a lightweight car made of expensive, exotic materials, or you could have an affordable car, but not both." The CCV is built of four major molded plastic parts and a steel chassis, which contrasts with the 75-100 steel stampings needed for a Neon-sized car. Components are glued together rather than bolted or riveted, with color molded in to eliminate painting. Advancements in mold engineering and plastic formulation allows the major parts to be produced in three minutes rather than the seven to ten minutes previously required. Fewer parts require only about a third of the time to produce a finished vehicle, a plant a tenth the size, and less labor skills, all substantial advantages for developing countries.

In addition, the design could be widened with inserts to create different sized vehicles. Don't be surprised if Chrysler comes up with a largely plastic minivan down the road, but it would not be as spartan as the CCV.

Ford experimented with molded car parts sixty years ago, and GM has made good use of molded body panels for the Corvette, Saturns, minivans and even some passenger cars.