
Automakers are under pressure of resorting to the new CAFÉ standards and environmental norms. Henceforth, aluminium is slowly getting into the SUV and truck segment from the luxury and sports cars. It was already hinted by FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne that 2018 Jeep Wrangler would use a heavy dose of aluminium. However, he did not specify in details. Recently, a post in JL Wrangler Forums says that 2018 Jeep Wrangler will use the light metal for the hood and the doors. The post also cited an internal bulletin from Alcoa, who is the supplier for Wrangler.
JL Wrangler forum says the company would use Aloca's C6A1 (an internal name) high strength alloy in the next-gen Wrangler. Alcoa will also supply 6022 and A951 to the company that will be used on the SUV's front and rear doors, as well as for the hood.
Alcoa's C6A1 is the company's new high form alloy designed for automotive and aerospace sector. The 6022 alloy sheet from Alcoa can be found on a number of car components like hood, door, or closure panels. Alcoa's A951 uses its pre-treatment aluminium sheet bonding technology that it designed exclusively for automobiles.
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The forum cites the following:
"A team in the Farmington Hills (Michigan, USA) Aerospace and Automotive Products group is leading a new profitable growth opportunity with the 2018 Jeep Wrangler program. The next generation Jeep becomes the first to utilize our C6A1 high form alloy; we are currently the only supplier of this high form product.
Alcoa will also supply 6022 and A951, including front and rear door inners, hood outer and inner."
The 2018 Wrangler would not be using aluminium exclusively for its construction. The SUV's doors and hood could be the only components that use the lightweight metal and Alcoa’s contribution is limited only to these parts. There might also be possibilities that the Jeep Wrangler would source aluminium for its other parts from another aluminium supplier.
The 2018 Wrangler will be coming up with a number of new changes. The jeep is expected to include a pickup version, new engines, and use lots of aluminium. The jeep would be manufactured in its Toledo factory, OH.
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