The Aluminum Association Launches New Auto Aluminum Web Site

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 21 -- In the Bill Murray comedy classic Stripes, Sgt. Hulka told a young recruit to ``Lighten up, Francis.'' Now The Aluminum Association is telling their friends at the auto companies to do the same -- not in boot camp, but online -- with the new graphics, content and features packed into their recently revised web site, www.autoaluminum.org .

Automakers have increasingly turned to aluminum's environmental, safety and performance advantages in the last few years, as aluminum has played a larger role in enhancing automakers' product offerings to their customers.

A panel of 50 leading automotive journalists recently selected the 2002 Nissan Altima and 2002 Chevy TrailBlazer as the Car and Truck of the Year at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Both vehicles make extensive use of aluminum's performance advantages to deliver superior driving performance.

As a virtual repository for all things related to automotive aluminum, the new web site is easier to navigate and offers new features such as aluminum's most recent applications in cars and trucks. A new section featuring a cache of technical data for automakers and their suppliers has been added as well, including complete book text on corrosion and repair.

Richard L. Klimisch, Vice President, The Aluminum Association, noted, ``As we're continuing to get more interest from automakers and suppliers, we've made substantive improvements to the web site that ought to help educate and inform visitors on aluminum's performance advantages.''

Some high profile applications of automotive aluminum include: The engine cradle of the Chevrolet Impala The control arms on the upcoming Cadillac XLR Roadster Aluminum hood, fenders and decklid on the Lincoln LS Bumper beams and control arms on the Dodge Stratus Fiat, Volkswagen and PSA/Peugeot-Citroen are all working on aluminum- intensive body structures, according to reports in the January 14 issue

of Automotive News.

For additional information on the performance advantages of automotive aluminum, please review the web site at www.autoaluminum.org .

The Aluminum Association, based in Washington, D.C. with offices in Detroit, MI, 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.