General Motors and General Electric unveiled GM’s Chevrolet Volt concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. GE Plastics contributed both the key materials technology to reduce part weight up to 50 percent, and design engineering support to help position the vehicle as a way to help the world diversify its energy sources and to reduce the dependence on petroleum. The Chevrolet Volt concept vehicle is capable of 40 miles of pure electrical vehicle driving, with GE Plastics’ technologies helping to reduce the vehicle's weight and optimize its fuel efficiency so that drivers can extend their mileage and increase savings. GE's resins and newest composite technologies are some of the key lightweight materials that helped GM to reduce mass on the Volt. These materials also allow for less fuel consumption, fewer carbon dioxide emissions, and improved overall performance. The Volt’s roof, doors, hood, global and rear energy absorbers, steering wheel, instrument panel with integrated airbag chute, front fenders and wire coating are all made from GE’s resins, composites and coatings. Other technologies from GE on the Volt include the automatically extending, fragment-free airbag deployment designed to keep the passenger safe prior to an impending accident and prepare both occupants and vehicle for a collision. Also from GE is a global energy absorber designed to meet pedestrian safety regulations. GE Plastics’ energy absorbers allow the Volt to maintain aggressive vehicle styling architecture, and meet both North American (FMVSS/CMVSS) and European Union (Pedestrian Phase 2 of the Pedestrian Protection Directive) bumper impact legislations.