Automotive Aluminum News

Among three vehicle segments studied, analysis finds vehicle cost decreases as aluminum share initially increases

DETROIT, May 17, 2022 – New research commissioned by the Aluminum Association confirms aluminum will continue to be a key player in the electric era as an economically attractive mass reduction tool improving performance and efficiency in battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The study, conducted by Auburn Hills-based FEV North America, concludes aluminum offers significant cost savings to automakers as net zero priorities drive vehicle development, particularly in high volume programs.

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A pre-competitive collaboration for the automotive aluminum industry amid a rapidly evolving market

DETROIT, January 31, 2022–The Aluminum Association announced today the release of a new technology roadmap that details short-, mid- and long-term research and development (R&D) priorities in support of its automotive customers. The 2022 Roadmap for Automotive Aluminum identifies pathways and prioritizes opportunities for critical collaboration among aluminum suppliers, recyclers, automakers, policymakers, non-governmental organizations and other industry stakeholders to drive innovation throughout the next decade.

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DETROIT, April 22, 2021—Aluminum is the fastest growing automotive material, and its use is expected to grow to record content levels of 514 pounds per vehicle by 2026, due largely to increased use of auto body sheet (ABS). As ABS growth accelerates, new research published in the Resources, Conservation & Recycling (RCR) Journal finds aluminum ABS scrap demand too will reach an all-time high in the next decade as the first mass produced aluminum-bodied vehicles—the Ford F-150, Super Duty, Expedition and Lincoln Navigator—reach end of life.

DETROIT, April 14, 2021—The REMADE Institute, a public-private partnership established by the United States Department of Energy (DOE) and the first institute in the U.S. dedicated to accelerating the nation’s transition to a circular economy, awarded funding for a forthcoming research project about automotive aluminum recycling. The Aluminum Association is part of the research team and the project is led by the University of Michigan, in partnership with several stakeholders, including Ford Motor Company, Novelis, Argonne National Laboratory and the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries. Forthcoming research will focus on ensuring aluminum automotive body sheet scrap from end-of-life vehicles is captured, recycled and reused in the making of new automotive body sheet for future vehicles. This research will help close the material loop and support key sustainability priorities for the aluminum industry.

Multi-material vehicle construction, onslaught of electrified powertrains and battery electric vehicle platforms drive aluminum’s increased market penetration

DETROIT, August 12, 2020 – A new survey released today confirms aluminum, already the fastest growing automotive material, is expected to grow to content levels of 514 pounds per vehicle (PPV) by 2026, up 12% from 2020 levels. The survey, conducted by DuckerFrontier, analyzes the latest information on material content for North American light vehicles from the full automotive value chain, including automakers and their suppliers, and credits aluminum content penetration increases to its growing use in vehicle closure parts, body-in-white parts and chassis applications in traditional vehicles, as well as growth of electrified powertrain and battery electric vehicle (BEV) platforms.