October 25, 2007 -- The latest study from Ducker Worldwide documents 30 years of continuous year-over-year growth of aluminum content in North American light vehicles, and projects that growth to continue through 2015. As reported in a special publication from the Aluminum Association, the study shows that in 2006, aluminum, for the first time, eclipsed iron in vehicle content worldwide. Current projections for aluminum content show that this growth will continue at a rate of 8 to 10 lb. per vehicle annually for the foreseeable future.
The study finds that, globally, light-vehicle aluminum content has doubled since 1990, and has grown by 25 percent since 2000. The study also notes that in North America, automakers primarily have added aluminum content to the powertrain, while in Europe the focus has been on adopting aluminum in bodies-in-white, closures, instrument panels and heat shields. The study finds that in European light vehicles, aluminum content rose from 112 lb. in 1990 to 196 lb. in 2000 to 259 lb. in 2006. In Japanese light vehicles, aluminum content rose from 135 lb. in 1990 to 212 lb. in 2000 to 251 lb. in 2006.
The study projects that average North American light-vehicle aluminum content will rise from 327 lb. in 2007 to 374 lb. by 2015.
Source: METALFORMING Magazine Newsletter
