Arconic signed a multi-year supply deal with Toyota North America, through which it will be the sole aluminum sheet supplier to Toyota for its all-new Lexus RX. The vehicle, which was named by Consumer Reports as the Best Luxury SUV of 2016, debuted last year and became Toyota’s first vehicle in North America to prominently feature aluminum closure panels. The RX uses aluminum in its hood and liftgate, which has helps to both reduce weight and lower the center of gravity.
“Automakers worldwide are turning to aluminum for the stronger, tougher, higher performing vehicles that consumers demand,” said Mark Vrablec, President of Arconic’s Aerospace & Automotive Products business. “Many bestselling vehicles in America have already converted to aluminum for improved performance, including better fuel efficiency, more towing and payload capacity, and improved vehicle safety scores. This trend will continue. We are proud to expand our relationship with Toyota.”
In addition, it has been reported that Toyota will use aluminum hood in the all-new Camry in 2018. “Toyota has plans to use aluminum on future vehicles for hood, closures and parts for lightweighting,” said Jana Hartline, a spokeswoman for Toyota. “Also, we will increase usage of mix metals and resin materials to enhance lightweighting efforts.” The company already uses aluminum in the hoods and trunk lids of several models sold in Japan, including the Prius, several Lexus sedans, and the Scion FR-S sports car. Implementing aluminum sheet in the Lexus RX and the Camry would represent significantly higher volumes.
Arconic will supply Toyota from its sheet plants in Davenport, Iowa, and Danville, Illinois. The company estimates that it will grow its automotive sheet revenue from $76 million in 2010 to $1.3 billion in 2018, and across Arconic’s full automotive portfolio, 98% of Arconic revenues come from products where it is number one or number two in its segment.