Auto Aluminum News
ALUMINUM NEWS

New Automaker Survey Confirms Aluminum's Use at All-Time High With Accelerated Shift Away From Other Materials

A newly-released Ducker Worldwide survey of North American automakers reveals auto aluminum usage is at an all-time high with growth expected to aggressively accelerate from 327 pounds per vehicle in 2009 to 550 pounds per vehicle by 2025. Already a leading material in powertrain and wheel markets, the survey indicates that the metal is fast-gaining market share in body applications such as hoods, trunks and doors. In fact, body, bumper and closure content grew by 58 percent from 2009 to 2012. View the full survey here.

Dive Into the Survey: Join us for a Free Webinar

Learn more and get the details from the Ducker Worldwide survey of North American automakers. Join us on Friday, September 23, from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. (EST) to hear senior aluminum industry officials discuss these latest survey findings and get your questions answered. Register here today!

ATG Presented at IQPC Summit

ATG executive committee member, Pat McNulty, presented at this year's International Quality and Productivity Center's Advanced Lightweight Materials Summit. During his presentation, McNulty addressed the role of aluminum in helping the automotive industry meet future federal fuel economy and emissions standards. 

Chevrolet Volt: Wins with Aluminum

The Chevrolet Volt, winner of the 2011 North American Car of the Year features notable aluminum components, including an aluminum hood, bumpers and wheels. The Volt utilizes lightweight components to help reduce weight and extend overall range. “A vehicle like the Volt that achieves a composite triple-digit fuel economy is a game-changer," said former GM Chief Executive Officer Fritz Henderson.

August/September 2011


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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Aluminum Week: 2011 Annual Meeting
September 12 - 15, 2011
Chicago, IL

The Business of Plugging In
October 11 - 13, 2011
Dearborn, MI

LA Auto Show
November 18 - 27, 2011
Los Angeles, CA

FAST FACTS

Providing Smart Solutions

Aluminum currently is at its highest ever worldwide usage rate, and will continue rapid growth as automakers research material options that provide safety, performance, fuel economy and emissions benefits. Consider:

  • Pound for pound aluminum can absorb two times the energy in a crash compared to steel. 
  • Aluminum's design flexibility is unparalleled, allowing designers to engineer the optimum shape and performance for each specific application. 
  • Downweighting vehicles with aluminum allows consumer to consume less fuel and in turn emit fewer CO2 emissions.

The Aluminum Association's Aluminum Transportation Group (ATG) communicates the benefits of aluminum in ground transportation to help accelerate its penetration through research programs and related outreach activities. Member companies include: Alcoa Inc., Novelis Inc., Rio Tinto Alcan Inc., Aluminum Precision Products, Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, Hydro and Sapa Group.


2600 S. Telegraph * Suite 204 * Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
www.aluminumintransportation.org