To meet federally mandated fuel economy standards, automakers must dramatically reduce vehicle weight. As a result, engineers are using more and more aluminum for body panels, engine components and structural parts.
Aluminum use in vehicles is expected to double by 2025, as automakers roll out a wide variety of lighter weight models. In fact, Alcoa and Novelis recently invested $1 billion in their U.S. plants to mass-produce aluminum sheet for the automotive industry. The material offers many advantages over steel. For instance, one kilogram of aluminum can replace two kilograms of steel.