Lighter Weight Leads to Fuel Savings

摘要

According to Alcan Automotive, the increased use of aluminium is now a significant part of every carmaker's lightweight design strategy. With its high specific strength, wide range of forming options and unique design advantages, aluminium is playing an essential role in car construction. In 2000, aluminium passed plastics in terms of content per vehicle to become the third most used material in cars and it remains the fastest growing materials in cars today. Aluminium shipments to car and light truck markets in North America totalled 2.43 million tonnes in 2002, a 10 per cent increase over 2001. In 2003, aluminium content per vehicle was an estimated 128 kg which Alcan forecasts will rise to 159 kg by 2010.