For the next generation of the Audi A8, an intelligent mix of four materials is being used for the first time in the weight-bearing body structure – more materials than in any of the brand’s previous production models. The mix includes aluminum, steel, magnesium, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) to decrease weight, increase torsional rigidity, and offer greater performance, […]
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 […]
Novelis signed an agreement with next-generation car company, NIO, to provide aluminum sheet products for the automaker’s fleet of premium electric and autonomous vehicles. NIO will use Novelis Advanz™ aluminum alloys to create a wide range of structural components and parts for its aluminum-intensive NIO electric SUV models to be launched over the next five […]
Mercedes-Benz Vans presented a revolutionary transporter concept study for urban areas in 2016 with the Vision Van. The van integrates a number of innovative technologies for the final end-point deliveries of products — even using on board drones for the final stretch of the delivery. The van features lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CRP) and […]
Ford Motor Company just unveiled its new 2018 Expedition, a full-size family SUV that saw a 44% rise in U.S. sales in 2016. This is the first update and retooling of the Expedition since it was introduced 20 years ago and, for its revamp, the model follows the lightweighting lead of the F-150 with the […]
Alpine, a division of Renault Group, announced that it will launch its first sports car in over two decades. The model, which is tentatively called A120, will feature a bespoke all-aluminium platform and upper body to ensure lightweight and agile handling. The A120 aims to be a homage to the iconic A110 that dominated the […]
ŠKODA, part of Volkswagen Group, officially opened their new PXL II servo press line at its main plant in Mladá Boleslav, Czech Republic. The full operation of the company’s first stamping line for aluminum car body parts will commence in March, when up to 23,000 press car body parts will be produced daily for several models. The trial and […]
Magna International Inc. — in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and partners Fiat Chrysler Automotive (FCA) US and Grupo Antolin — developed a new, ultralight door architecture that achieves 42.5% mass savings compared to an average current production door. The door-in-white assembly makes extensive use of aluminum, which achieves approximately half of the total […]
