16.01.2007

Use of Aluminium In European Cars Is On The Increase

The quantity of aluminium used in new European cars has risen from 50kg in 1990 to 132kg in 2005 and is predicted to grow by another 25kg by 2010, a new study shows.
In 2005 two million tonnes of aluminium components were put on European roads in new passenger cars. The achieved weight savings will lead to an annual fuel saving of 1 billion litres and will save roughly 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over the lifespan of the vehicles.

The study by Knibb, Gormezano & Partners (KGP) includes data from automotive companies and suppliers. The study is based on the analysis of the 15 million cars produced in Europe in 2005 and investigates 20 body components, 17 chassis and suspension components and 25 powertrain components.

The study focuses on different aluminium semi-materials - castings, extrusions, forgings and sheets. In the car body the largest quantity of components made from aluminium are air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. Aluminium parts in the chassis and suspension section of the cars are mainly wheels, suspension arms and steering components. Cylinder heads, cylinder blocks, engine covers, pumps and radiators represent the majority of aluminium components in the drivetrain of new cars. Today, a growing amount of aluminium is being used in particular in closures, body structure and chassis applications, improving also automotive safety and performance.

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