Page 2 - MFi Vol.152 ATZ Extra Issue 2019

ALUMINUM BODY STRUCTUREɹ 1
Roof panel

The use of aluminum alloy sheet for the roof
BODY Panels but also realizes a lower center of gravity, which
panel not only reduces the weight of the body,
can lead to improved driving performance.

Global fuel efficiency standards are getting stricter and stricter. Suspension tower
Fuel economy regulations intended to reduce energy
The use of aluminum alloy
consumption and CO2 emissions are being tightened not only in die-cast products has been
Japan, the U.S.A. and Europe, but also in emerging countries. progressing for this
important structural
Reduction of vehicle weight is a key element of CO2 emission
member that supports the
regulations. The adoption of aluminum alloys for automobiles, top of the suspension arm.
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.

Aluminum alloy sheet
Aluminum extruded shapes
Aluminum cast products

Motor Fan illustrated

ALUMINUM AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY

02

Bonnet
Front fenders
The body’s largest exterior panel was
one of the first parts to be changed
These were among the earliest parts to be
to aluminum, and this has led to a created from aluminum sheet after the
considerable weight reduction.
bonnet. Their area is smaller, but they involve
complicated designs, such as large curves.

All-aluminum alloy monocoque All-aluminum alloy chassis All-aluminum alloy monocoque
FORD F-150 TESLA MODEL-S JAGUAR XE
The F-150 has become a major focus of The chassis of the Tesla Model-S has an The XE is the first model built on the
interest for its switch to an all-aluminum all-aluminum frame structure. The battery Jaguar Land Rover modular platform.
body structure. The use of aluminum alloy cells are arranged beneath the flat floor. The body structure of the 2017 XE's is 75
materials has reduced the entire vehicle Aluminum is also used for all the body percent aluminum, the highest of any in
weight by about 320 kilograms. panels. its class.