NEW YORK & ALCOA, Tenn. Global technology, engineering and advanced manufacturing leader Arconic today announced it is supplying a new proprietary and highly formable aluminum to FCA US LLC to shed weight and boost performance of its 2018 Jeep® Wrangler. The Wrangler is one of the automaker’s top selling vehicles, helping drive the brand to its best May sales ever.
“Consumers continue to demand stronger, safer and smarter vehicles,” said Mark Vrablec, Vice President of Commercial Business Development for Arconic’s Global Rolled Products. “Arconic is proud to develop solutions that increase performance and decrease weight, which are strong selling points for Jeep buyers.”
The new lightweight, high-strength aluminum front and rear doors are 12 and 10.5 pounds lighter, respectively, compared to the previous models partly because they are made with Arconic’s C6A1 alloy. This new alloy has formability characteristics that enable automakers to achieve more challenging designs while maintaining strength and durability.
The same highly formable Arconic alloy is being used by FCA US in other popular vehicles to provide high-form, lightweight design solutions. Developed by Arconic’s Global Rolled Products business, products made with the new alloys are supplied from Arconic’s plants in Alcoa, TN, Davenport, IA and Lancaster, PA.
Launched in late 2017, FCA US shed 200 pounds in total from the new Wrangler over its previous steel design. In addition to the proprietary alloy, Arconic also supplies aluminum sheet for the Wrangler’s hood, windshield frame inner and various seal retainers and reinforcements.
Arconic is a premier partner to the high-growth automotive industry with key operations in Davenport, IA, Alcoa, TN and Lancaster, PA, as well as breakthrough technologies like the Arconic Micromill™ in San Antonio, TX. According to the 2017 Ducker Worldwide survey, aluminum content in North American passenger vehicles, particularly light trucks and SUVs, is expected to increase 42 percent from its 2015 level by the year 2028.
About Arconic
Arconic creates breakthrough products that shape industries. Working in close partnership with our customers, we solve complex engineering challenges to transform the way we fly, drive, build and power. Through the ingenuity of our people and cutting-edge advanced manufacturing techniques, we deliver these products at a quality and efficiency that ensure customer success and shareholder value.