Ducker said that automakers are seeking to safely and cost-effectively lower the weight of vehicles.
The survey indicates that since lighter vehicles get better fuel economy with fewer emissions, aluminium is already the leading material in the engine and wheel markets and is fast-gaining market share in bonnets (hoods), boots (trunks) and doors.
The survey estimates automakers will increase their use of aluminium from 327 pounds in 2009 to 550 pounds in 2025.
The survey also shows continued growth in automaker’s overall use of aluminium reaches an all-time high of 343 pounds per vehicle in 2012 – up 5% from 327 pounds in 2009.
Aluminium usage has increased every year for nearly 40 years. Longer term, the report predicts aluminium is expected to double its share of the average automotive materials mix to 16% by 2025 with future cars and light trucks reaching a predicted average of 550 pounds of automotive aluminium per vehicle.
As the Obama Administration considers stricter fuel economy regulations, automakers are expected to lower the overall weight of vehicles by approximately 400 pounds per vehicle, and as aluminium use increases, the mix percent is expected to double.
“This new survey of automakers makes clear that in terms of new vehicle designs to greatly step up fuel economy…aluminium’s time has come,” said Randall Scheps, Chairman of the Aluminum Association’s Aluminum Transportation Group and Marketing Director at Alcoa.
“Cars and trucks will get lighter and more efficient, but thanks to aluminium, they won’t have to get smaller or less safe.”
