Automotive Aluminum Seminar: Driving Technology
22 October 1997
Automotive Aluminum Seminar: Driving Technology18th Annual Automotive Aluminum Design and Fabrication Seminar Highlights How Aluminum is Driving Technology and Changing the Automotive Industry LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 22 -- The 18th Annual Automotive Aluminum Design and Fabrication Seminar showcased a number of innovative aluminum technologies that will change the automotive industry as it moves into the 21st Century. The October 22nd seminar held in Livonia, MI featured a keynote address given by Jeremiah J. Sheehan, Chairman and CEO of Reynolds Metals Company, who provided automakers with an overview of the benefits of aluminum and discussed ways in which the partnership between the aluminum industry and the auto industry can be strengthened even further. "Aluminum's unique characteristics make it one of the world's most versatile materials," Sheehan said. He added that it is important to remember that aluminum is not "value-neutral." That it "helps vehicles accelerate, brake and handle better," and that "a light car doesn't have to be a small car." Touching on one of the most beneficial contributions aluminum can make to the automotive industry, Sheehan noted that, "compared to traditional vehicle structures, aluminum structures provide equal energy absorption and crashworthiness at half the weight." "The automotive industry is of major importance to aluminum suppliers," said Jane Petty Lichter, Director of Transportation for The Aluminum Association. "Last year, the transportation sector accounted for 27.6 percent of aluminum shipments. That supply translates into 247 lbs. of various aluminum applications in today's average vehicle." "This seminar provides a forum for aluminum and automotive experts to share ideas on how aluminum can offer further benefits to the automotive industry," Lichter added. The seminar also featured presentations by experts from Audi, Chrysler Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, who spoke about structural technologies and aluminum casting/forging innovations. A number of displays were on hand to showcase aluminum technologies that are currently on the road in passenger vehicles. The 1998 Chrysler Intrepid/Concorde features an aluminum hood and rear suspension crossmember. Seminar attendees also viewed the Ford F-150 which debuts the first application of an aluminum closure panel in the light truck market. The F-150 also features an aluminum hood weighing 22.5 lbs, resulting in a more than 50% weight reduction from a similar steel hood, demonstrating the benefits achieved by incorporating aluminum technology. The Aluminum Association represents U.S. producers of primary and secondary aluminum, as well as semi-fabricated products. Member companies operate approximately 300 plants in 40 states. Copies of select speakers' remarks are available. AUTOMOTIVE ALUMINUM SEMINAR: DRIVING TECHNOLOGY TOPICS/SPEAKERS Welcome Robert J. Kazmier; Reynolds Metals Company Keynote Address Jeremiah J. Sheehan; Reynolds Metals company The Audi A8 Aluminum Spaceframe Heinrich Timm; Audi, AG PNGV -- A Partnership for the Future Dr. Allan Murray; Ford Motor Company Hydroforming of Structural Aluminum Components For The Automotive Industry Colin Macrae; Schuler Incorporated Stamping Tailored Blanks Scott Gorelick; Ogihara America Corporation Crash and the Testing of the Panoz Roadster Daniel Panoz; Panoz Automotive Development Corp. Mac M. Yousry, Global Vehicle Systems Corp. Innovative Design of BIW Structures Based on Extruded Profiles Dr. Frank Hermann: VAW America Research & Development Aluminum Sheet Materials for Automobiles Michael J. Bull; Alcan Aluminum Corporation Corvette Windshield Frame Karen Gilkey; General Motors Corporation Cold Impact Extrusions and Its Applications William R. Hancock; Piper Impact, Inc. Metal Compression Forming Dr. Garry A. Rozak; Thompson Aluminum Casting Company LH Crossmember Steven Kenner; Chrysler Corporation SOURCE The Aluminum Association