Aluminum Use Hits Record High in Autos and Light Trucks

     Automakers Increasingly Looking to Aluminum's Performance Advantages

    SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Aug. 8 Aluminum content in MY 2002
vehicles will reach an all-time high, according to a recent industry report.
    The average aluminum content in 2002 model year cars and light trucks will
increase to 268 pounds per vehicles on average from 255 pounds just last year,
according to a report from American Metal Market (AMM), a metal trades
journal.
    Both domestic and import automakers are using more aluminum to improve
fuel economy, reduce emissions and enhance vehicle performance.  While casting
alloys make up much of the gain, AMM reports that sheet, extrusion and forging
alloys are gaining acceptance in the automotive marketplace.
    "As automakers gain experience designing parts for aluminum, rather than
just from aluminum, even more of the performance advantages inherent in the
material will be unlocked.  As consumers demand increasing vehicle content
that adds weight, aluminum will help compensate by maintaining or even
reducing vehicle mass," said Dr. Richard Klimisch, vice president of The
Aluminum Association.
    "Engineers know that aggressive weight reduction is the best way to
improve fuel economy, emissions and performance.  For these reasons, as well
as improved corrosion resistance and recyclability, automakers are more and
more turning to performance aluminum," Klimisch added.
    Automakers have known for years that aluminum improves vehicle
performance, but they've mostly applied it to specialty vehicles.  Examples
include the Panoz Esperante, Acura NSX, Audi's flagship A8 and S8 luxury
sports sedans and the civilian version of GM's HUMMER.
    But in recent years, aluminum has made impressive gains in high volume
vehicles.  According to AMM, some of the new aluminum production parts for
2002 are:
    *  The standard wheels; dual-piston, front-brake calipers; suspension
system control arms and uprights; and power steering rack housings and pinions
on Ford's new Thunderbird.
    *  Front and rear bumper reinforcements on Toyota's Highlander SUV.
    *  The liftgates, radiator enclosures, wheels and front differential cases
on the Cadillac Escalade.
    *  Hoods and front fenders on Ford Explorers and Mercury Mountaineers.
    *  Automatic transmission cooler cases for the Corvette, plus front
stabilizer bar links in the Z06 model.
    *  Aluminum-intensive, four-wheel independent suspensions in the Cadillac
Catera.
    *  Rear crossmembers, control arms, knuckles, driveshafts and axle
housings in the four-wheel-drive version of the Buick Rendezvous.
    *  Aluminum-intensive, heavy-duty automatic Allison transmissions for use
in large pick-up and service trucks.
    *  Radiator enclosures, front differential cases and wheels on the Chevy
Avalanche.
    *  Chrysler's new 3.7 liter, V-6 engines, which will be used in the Jeep
Liberty, have aluminum cylinder heads, front covers, water pumps, alternator
cases and various brackets.
    *  Extended versions of GM's midsize SUVs will be available with all-
aluminum Vortec V-8 engines.

    "We're anxious to work with the car companies to help them sell more cars
and trucks with the added vehicle performance, safety performance and
environmental performance advantages of aluminum," Klimisch said.  "In the
end, the real winners are consumers who will drive better performing vehicles,
while spending less money on fuel."