GM plans to integrate smart materials by 2010.

The article reports on the plan of General Motors Corp. (GM) to incorporate smart materials into its vehicles by 2010 in the U.S. The plan is intended to improve energy efficiency and packaging space as the level of electronics in vehicles rises. It has developed alloys and polymers designed to enhance features and functionality. The possible applications for the materials cited by the company include active vehicle surfaces, adaptive interior grab handles and latches.