GM puts magnesium to the test in lightweighting move

摘要

General Motors Co. is testing a thermal-forming process and proprietary corrosion-resistance treatment for magnesium sheet that would allow the automaker to increasingly use it as a substitute for steel and aluminum. GM said that it wants to expand its use of low-mass parts on its vehicles and that it will pursue licensing opportunities related to this technology. The goal is for suppliers to use the process to produce a significant volume of magnesium parts in order to trim pounds from vehicle mass.