Automotive OEMs to invest more in aluminium to meet fuel-efficiency and emission targets by 2025

In a recently conducted study on the current trends in aluminium usage in cars and light trucks, a number of key observations have been made on the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), aluminium strategies, including manufacturing activities and joining techniques.

Following are the key findings:
1. OEMs are exploring and investing in alternate materials including aluminium to lower vehicle weight, increase fuel efficiency, reduce CO2 emission, and improve overall vehicular safety and noise and vibration levels.

This is crucial as automotive OEMs are expected to reduce overall average fleet weight by at least a kg per year in an effort to meet stringent fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission goals. By 2025, out OEMs are expected to mass produce at least 1 aluminium-intensive vehicle (AIV).

3. Audi and Tesla among luxury OEMs and Ford among mass-market OEMs are expected to have aluminum proliferate in to models across several vehicle segments by 2025. China is expected to be major supplier for a market targetting to take its aluminium content to at least pounds per vehicle (PPV) by 2025.

4. Aluminium is being used more in body structures and closures, where use is expected to increase % by 2025. Resistance spot welding, ultrasonic welding, self-pierce riveting, collar joining, and other joining advancements are expected to increase aluminium-to-aluminium and alternate material amalgamation.

5. Aluminium is expected to become a key component of of OEMs' multimaterial strategy by 2025. Strategic applications are expected across passenger cars, SUVs, and pickups.

6. North America and Europe are the early adopters of aluminum as a primary material of choice in higher-margin vehicles. Advancements in newer grades of aluminium alloys (7xxx and 8xxx series) and their applications in intricate, thin-walled, leak-proof, and fatigue-resistant profiles are expected to further increase use.