Plastic panels for motor vehicles and methods for making the same

[0013]The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the various embodiments or the application and uses thereof. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

[0014]Various embodiments contemplated herein relate to plastic panels including welded polymeric substrates for motor vehicles, and methods for making such plastic panels. The exemplary embodiments taught herein provide a plastic panel for a motor vehicle comprising a first molded microcellular polymeric substrate and a second polymeric substrate. The first molded microcellular polymeric substrate is formed, for example, via injection molding or the like and has a first outer skin, a second outer skin, and a microcellular structured core that is disposed between the first and second outer skins. A wall extends substantially between the first and second outer skins and through the microcellula