Defending Champion University of Michigan’s Solar Car Features Avery Dennison Vehicle Wrap in 2012 American Solar Challenge

Avery Dennison announced today that the University of Michigan’s solar car, Quantum External link will be wrapped with Avery Dennison’s popular vehicle wrap films when it competes in the 2012 American Solar Car Challenge External link. Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS™ and DOL 1360 were installed on Quantum by TKO Graphix of Indianapolis, Indiana External link.

“The wrap is an important improvement to the car. We eliminated a significant amount of weight with the wrap. The vinyl conforms very well to the compound curves of Quantum’s body – and looks just like paint,” said Cole Witte, engineering director for University of Michigan solar car. “We focused on streamlining Quantum over the last two years and shaved off 200 pounds compared to our previous car.”

This year, Quantum is lighter than its competitors’ cars that use paint instead of vehicle wraps. Traditional paint weighs about 9 pounds while the Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS and DOL 1360 wrap materials weigh between 8 ounces and 1 pound. The reduced weight gives the University of Michigan solar team a distinct advantage as Quantum makes its way through the 8-state, 1,650 mile course. The race begins on July 14 in Rochester, NY and ends eight days later in St. Paul, MN.

“Avery Dennison graphics films create a great look and serve as an innovative way to reduce weight for the team to succeed in the race as well as showcase Quantum’s sponsors,” said Kathleen Hall, vice president and general manager, Avery Dennison Graphics and Reflective Solutions, Americas. “The opportunity to support America’s most successful solar car team and the engineering, innovation and dedication of the student-led University of Michigan group is an honor.”

Avery Dennison MPI 1005 Supercast Easy Apply RS, a digitally printable pressure-sensitive vinyl that is repositionable and slideable, makes application easy. In addition it features air egress technology, allowing air bubbles to escape during the installation process. TKO Graphix, a graphics services provider that has worked with the University of Michigan Solar Car team for several years, wrapped Quantum and several team vehicles in the Avery Dennison digitally printable, pressure sensitive material.

“It’s exciting to partner with college students that push technology to the edge with the passion to win the race,” added Hall. Since its inception 20 years ago, the University of Michigan team has built 11 custom solar-electric vehicles and won 6 National Championships, establishing itself as America’s #1 team.

Vinyl wraps aren’t limited to solar cars, they can be installed on vehicles, boats, ATVs, motorcycles, and RVs – the options are almost endless. Not only is a wrap lighter than paint, in many cases, wrapping a car is more affordable than a custom paint job and can be installed faster.

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