Kobe Steel decides to supply aluminium extrusion products containing greener materials to Nissan Motor

Kobe Steel, Ltd. has disclosed its decision to incorporate green aluminium materials into aluminium extrusion and suspension products supplied to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Initially, commencing in fiscal 2024, the green metal will be used for Nissan's mass-produced vehicles meant for the Japanese and North American markets, and then the move will gradually extend to cars for the European market. 

Nissan's automobile components that will contain green aluminium materials include aluminium bumper reinforcements, door guard bars, and suspension parts. Increasing the incorporation of green aluminium materials into car components will play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions throughout the vehicles' lifecycle and lessening their weight. Notably, approximately 10 per cent of the weight of Nissan's vehicles consists of aluminium parts. 

Kobe Steel Group, also known as Kobelco Group, is committed to curbing CO2 emissions through various initiatives across its distinctive and diverse businesses, technologies, and human resources to pave the way for a carbon-neutral society.

Kobe Steel, Ltd. is a Japanese company that specialises in producing steel sheets, aluminium plates, wire rods, and bars. These products are ideal for use in the construction, automotive, and aerospace sectors.  The company has a capital of JPY250.9 billion as of March 31, 2023. It employs a workforce of 38,488 individuals in consolidated roles and 11,368 in non-consolidated positions. 

AL Circle’s exclusive report: “Future of Aluminium in Transportation Sector – An Industry Analysis with Forecasts to 2027” shows aluminium usage in the overall transportation sector in Europe is likely to reach 6.257 million tonnes, growing at a CAGR of 1.6 per cent between 2022-2027.

The report also highlights that electric vehicle production (BEV and PHEV combined) in the European Union region has been growing at a faster pace and is expected to increase at a CAGR of over 30% between 2019 and 2025. Production of EVs in the region stood at around 2 million units in 2022 and is forecast to reach over 3.3 million units by 2025.