Constellium announced the results of its collaborative research project, ALuminium Intensive Vehicle Enclosures (ALIVE), which was focused on developing structural aluminum battery enclosures for electric vehicles (EVs). The multidisciplinary team was able to successfully develop novel battery enclosure designs that reduced weight, while meeting performance targets. “Today, we celebrate the impressive achievements of the ALIVE […]
By Andrew Halonen, Mayflower Consulting LLC. Every business owner would like to have a better understanding of their customer to be sure they are meeting customer needs and are remaining competitive. So, how do they get this insight and feedback? The process is referred to as the voice of the customer (VOC). While this sounds […]
Alcoa formed an agreement with Nexans, a global cable producer, for the supply of primary aluminum produced using ELYSIS™ inert anode technology, which eliminates all direct greenhouse gas emissions from the traditional smelting process. “In the fight against climate change, solutions that support the world’s energy transition make a real difference,” said Vincent Dessale, chief […]
Ronal Group has produced the world’s first light-alloy wheels made of 100% secondary aluminum for use on a vehicle in series production in cooperation with BMW Group. Manufactured at Ronal’s plant in Landau, Germany, the wheels are being utilized on the new MINI Cooper SE convertible. The wheels are comprised of 40% pre-consumer scrap (including […]
Under a new partnership, Rio Tinto plans to provide responsibly sourced aluminum to the BMW Group’s vehicle production plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina, for use in body components beginning in 2024. Low-carbon primary aluminum from Rio Tinto’s hydro-powered operations in Canada, combined with recycled content, could generate a reduction of up to 70% in CO2 […]
A consortium of companies and institutions in the U.K. launched a major new multi-million-pound project to help design new light-weight battery casings for the next generation of electric cars and ultra low emissions vehicles (ULEVs). The members of the consortium include Constellium, Impression Technologies Ltd, BMW, Volvo, Innoval Technology, Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology […]
By Andrea Svendsen, Managing Editor. Demand for aluminum in the automotive industry is continuing its growth trajectory, according to a new report from DuckerFrontier, 2020 North American Light Vehicle Aluminum Content and Outlook. The report notes that aluminum content is expected to grow to 514 lbs per vehicle by 2026, up by 12% from 2020 […]
Braidy Atlas plans to cooperate with the BMW Group on sustainability and technical qualification for the future supply of 5000 and 6000 series automotive aluminum sheet. The milestone plan includes a comprehensive closed-loop recycling strategy that would leverage Braidy Atlas’ logistically optimal location in Ashland, Kentucky, which will be in close proximity to BMW´s car production […]
By Lynn Brown, Contributing Editor. In order for automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers to develop aluminum applications for cars and trucks, they need to understand the capabilities of existing designs, whether sheet, extrusions, or castings, etc. Analyzing the use of aluminum in existing production vehicles to see how they compare is one way for a […]
