Page 2 - Motor Fan illustrated Special Edition

Use of aluminum alloys in automobiles 1

BODY & CHASSIS

Global fuel efficiency standards are getting stricter and stricter. Fuel economy regulations
intended to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions are being tightened not only
in Japan, the U.S.A. and Europe, but also in emerging countries. Reduction of vehicle
weight is a key element of CO2 emission regulations. The adoption of aluminum alloys for
automobiles, that began with cast-metal components such as engine parts, is now
progressing to full-scale adoption thanks to the improved strength and formability of
wrought aluminum alloys.

Suspension tower

The use of aluminum alloy die-cast
products has been progressing for this
important structural member that
supports the top of the suspension arm.

Motor Fan illustrated

Bonnet
ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY
The body’s largest exterior panel was Front side members
02 one of the first parts to be changed to These are connected to the subframe.
aluminum, and this has led to a
considerable weight reduction. In addition to load-bearing, they are
designed to absorb the impact of
Front bumper reinforcement
collisions.
7000-series high-strength aluminum
alloy extruded shapes are increasingly
being adopted for this member that
secures cabin safety by absorbing Front fenders
collision energy.
These were among the earliest parts
to be created from aluminum sheet
after the bonnet. Their area is smaller,
but they involve complicated designs,
such as large curves.

All-aluminum alloy monocoqueRENAULT ALPINE A110 Multi-material monocoque BMW 7series All-aluminum alloy monocoque FORD F-150

The weight of the new Alpine A110 is as low as 1,103 Adoption of a multi-material body structure for the The F-150 has become a major focus of interest for
kilograms thanks to the all-aluminum alloy platform new BMW 7Series has realized a weight reduction its switch to an all-aluminum body structure. The
and upper body structure. of around 130 kilograms. Aluminum alloy sheet is use of aluminum alloy materials has reduced the
used for all the body panels. entire vehicle weight by about 320 kilograms.