Aluminum Association Discusses New ATG-Funded Study

A new study out confirmed that reducing vehicle weight with aluminum is the best overall enabler for significant efficiency increases.

According to a release, the report specifically shows that achieving new higher fuel economy standards in the 50+ MPG range is possible by combining a range of technologies that include weight reduction with advance materials. The study was conducted by a member of the AVL Group, an independent company for the development of powertrain systems and a partner to many in the automotive industry.

The study showed no single technology approach will achieve the new 54.5 miles per gallon (MPG) fuel economy target on its own, but that substituting lower weight aluminum in automobiles is the one consistent strategy that can be combined with all other strategies and technologies to maximize their ability to meet the new target.

The new study, conducted by Detroit-based Scenaria and funded by the Aluminum Association's Aluminum Transportation Group (ATG) found:

-There is no single vehicle technology strategy that can achieve a 50+ MPG fuel economy target without significant weight reduction.

-Weight reduction can be done with materials substitution such as switching from steel to low-weight, high-strength aluminum to avoid less desirable downsizing of vehicles.

-Weight reduction helps save automakers money by providing flexibility in decisions to use other often more expensive technologies as part of their approach to improving fuel economy.

-Weight reduction with aluminum is a complement to maximize the benefits of all other fuel economy enhancement technologies.

The report comes at a time when automakers are touting the benefits of aluminum and announcing plans to increase their use of the metal in automotive applications. Earlier this week, General Motors announced in a press release, "General Motors Research & Development has invented an industry-first aluminum welding technology expected to enable more use of the lightweight metal on future vehicles, which can help improve fuel economy and driving performance - an important step forward that will grow in importance as we increase the use of aluminum in our cars, trucks and crossovers over the next several years… this technology will allow us to do so at low cost."

Ford CEO Allan Mulally also recently confirmed to the news media that his company also intends to use even more aluminum.

Through its Aluminum Transportation Group, the Aluminum Association communicates the benefits of aluminum in ground transportation applications.