Alcan Wins INDUSTRYWEEK Technology and Innovation Award

MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2003 -- As part of its 11th Annual Technology and Innovation Awards Program, the editors of the leading manufacturing management magazine, INDUSTRYWEEK, have selected Alcan's Aluminum Vehicle Technology as one of the Technologies of the Year for 2003.

"The increasing use of aluminum in auto manufacturing improves fuel efficiency, durability and overall performance, so we're thrilled that INDUSTRYWEEK has recognized the Aluminum Vehicle Technology," said Travis Engen, President and CEO of Alcan Inc. "AVT technology has made aluminum an even more attractive proposition by developing an entire process for aluminum manufacturing using existing assembly systems."

Alcan's Aluminum Vehicle Technology (AVT) enables the production of a sheet-based aluminum structure, similar in principle to a conventional stamped structure, but much lighter and stiffer. Vehicles built with AVT deliver higher performance, greater fuel economy and reduced emissions - without the need to compromise on size or safety.

Key to the AVT technology is a joining system that combines adhesive bonding with spot welds and/or mechanical fasteners to achieve a continuous joint between selected body sections. This improves torsion and bending stiffness, structural integrity and joint fatigue performance. Working with Alcan, Jaguar introduced the AVT system on the first commercially produced, all-aluminum unibody vehicle, the new Jaguar XJ.

Thanks to the AVT architecture, the new XJ body is 60 per cent stiffer, yet 40 per cent lighter than its predecessor, which translates into superior performance and handling agility together with excellent fuel economy ratings and CO2 emissions. The XJ is also one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Patricia Panchak, editor-in-chief, explains that in selecting the award winners, the editors of INDUSTRYWEEK solicit reader nominations for a judging process designed to recognize outstanding achievement in technology. To be eligible, candidate technologies must relate in a significant way to accomplishments and achievements in the current year. For more information on the award, visit www.industryweek.com .

Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in aluminum and packaging, as well as aluminum recycling. With world-class operations in primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum as well as flexible and specialty packaging, Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service. Alcan employs 54,000 people and has operating facilities in 42 countries.