THE DEATH OF CHROME?

By Éric Descarries

International automaker Stellantis recently announced that it would be eliminating chrome from the production of vehicles for its Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Chrysler brands. The reason? According to Ralph Gilles, Design Director at Stellantis (and former Montreal resident), the decision was motivated by health concerns. Hexavalent chromium, the main element in the production of metal ornaments, is said to be carcinogenic. What’s more, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the agency responsible for emissions regulations in California, told CNN that hexavalent chromium is “the second most potent contaminant in the air” in the State. Chrome-plated parts are not dangerous in themselves, but the process of doing so is. The vapours released during the operation become airborne, endangering the employees assigned to the task.

In a recent CNN interview, Ralph Gilles revealed that Jeep’s all-new Wagoneer S electric SUV has no chrome parts. While black ornamentation is becoming increasingly popular, Mr. Gilles sees satin-finish steel parts as a substitute for chrome. German manufacturer Volkswagen, for its part, is moving towards illuminated ornamentation. MINI is also considering discontinuing chrome.