Aluminum Lights Up the Paris Auto Show

Audi, Jag, Saab and Others Put Aluminum in the Spotlight at Paris Auto Show

DETROIT, Sept. 26 -- "Leading automakers like Jaguar, Audi and Saab are using the Paris Auto Show to spotlight aluminum in their vehicles in yet another sign that the fastest-growing automotive material is an increasingly important way to differentiate vehicles in a highly competitive marketplace," according to Dr. Richard Klimisch, Vice President of The Aluminum Association, Inc.

In the case of Jaguar, the new seventh-generation XJ sedan is longer, taller and wider, but 440 pounds lighter than the outgoing model, thanks to an all-new aluminum chassis. AutoWeek reports, "The chassis is 40 percent lighter than if it were made of steel yet 60 percent stiffer."

Audi's flagship A8 sedan, which previously earned a five star federal safety rating and was ranked by the Wall Street Journal as the world's safest sedan, is all-new as well. It continues the tradition of an all-aluminum structure and is designed to yield superb ride and handling characteristics, as well as to allow its V8 engine to make this full-size luxury sedan accelerate rapidly, with maximum efficiency.

According to Klimisch, "It's no coincidence that the cars dominating the Paris Auto Show are also highlighting aluminum as a consumer selling point. Cars made lighter with aluminum can offer enhanced handling, faster acceleration and shorter stopping distances. While maintaining or even improving safety, aluminum can also boost fuel economy and cut emissions. Finally, aluminum can maintain or increase vehicle size without increasing weight."

In recent weeks, automakers have touted the advantages of aluminum, pointing to their aluminum-intensive new products as a way to bring in more technically savvy, performance-oriented customers. It was announced that the new Lamborghini will feature an all-aluminum space frame, and Automotive News recently quoted Jaguar executives as saying that they "see the high-tech aluminum space frame as the focal point of showing Jaguar's new image."

Automotive News also reported that Audi is making a stronger commitment to providing their customers with the performance benefits uniquely provided by aluminum. Specifically, the article says, "Audi's long-term plan is to build nothing but lightweight aluminum-bodied cars." With respect to aluminum's ability to close the cost-gap with more traditional materials, a top Audi official confirmed, "Manufacturing aluminum bodies saves both time and cost, despite the high initial price."

On this point, Klimisch noted, "As manufacturing methods have advanced, aluminum components have become increasingly affordable. Automakers are responding to consumer demands for greener, safer and better performing cars and trucks, and aluminum is helping them get the job done."

In the entry-level luxury segment, Saab unveiled its new 9-3 at the Paris Auto Show and credited aluminum -- in both powertrain and suspension -- with adding to the vehicle's driving performance.

According to Saab's 9-3 press materials, "Reducing unsprung weight to deliver the high standard of ride quality expected in this class of car, Saab engineers carried out a thorough program to minimize unsprung weight. As a result, all four wheel carriers (hubs) and brake calipers, lower control arms in the front suspension and toe and lower links in the rear suspension are made of aluminum."

Saab also targets body panels for lightweighting: "For the new 9-3, they have adopted aluminum for the hood, saving 50 percent or 20 lbs. in weight compared to steel. It is also slightly stiffer and more resistant to dents."

"From the new luxury performance cars unveiled in Paris, France, to family cars and trucks on the road in typical U.S. cities like Paris, Texas, aluminum is proving its value on the road today. With an eye towards safety, the environment and sheer driving pleasure, aluminum simply builds a better car," concluded Klimisch.

The Aluminum Association, based in Washington, D.C. with offices in Detroit, Mich., represents primary producers of aluminum, recyclers and producers of semi-fabricated products. Member companies operate almost 200 plants in the United States and many conduct business worldwide. To learn more about automotive aluminum applications and attributes, please visit http://www.autoaluminum.org.