GM researchers have way to use magnesium in place of steel, aluminum

General Motors researchers who tinkered with magnesium in the laboratory have developed a proprietary way to use the lightweight material as an alternative to steel and aluminum, the company said Tuesday.

GM has developed a new technology that improves magnesium's strength and durability by applying intense heat that makes it easier to mold.

The advancement could help GM and suppliers improve fuel economy on future vehicles, saving consumers money at the gas pump.

"Using high-strength lightweight materials such as magnesium and aluminum is one of the most effective ways to improve vehicle fuel economy and driving performance," said Jon Lauckner, GM chief technology officer, in a statement.

The news comes after GM recently announced that it had achieved a breakthrough in welding technology that would allow more aluminum to be used in vehicles.

GM said it tested the new technology on a rear deck lid inner panel with magnesium. It's 2.2 pounds lighter than a similar steel component.

On a broader scale, GM said the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership had estimated that by 2030, the average vehicle will integrate 350 pounds of magnesium parts to replace about 630 pounds of steel or aluminum components. Cutting vehicle weight by 280 pounds would lead to a 9% to 12% increase in fuel economy.

"The goal is for suppliers to be able to use the process to provide significant amounts of magnesium sheet that will trim pounds from vehicle mass," GM said.