Furukawa Electric secured new order to supply aluminum wire harness for domestic 2 vehicle models, which are launched in summer 2012 and spring 2013.
The firm got new order after the firm won the first order for new model launched by Toyota Motor in January. Furukawa Electric has developed the harness technology when the firm expects more than 60% of the harness per unit of vehicle could be aluminum harness in 5 years.
The aluminum harness is made by aluminum alloy instead of traditional copper. The aluminum harness can reduce harness weight by 30% to 40%. The lower weight contributes to lighter weight for the vehicle when electric wire represents 60% to 70% of harness weight. Aluminum is also cheaper than copper.
Furukawa Electric supplies the aluminum harness for back door harness of Toyota's new model launched in January. The harness realized around 15% lower weight than copper harness. Furukawa Electric also got the aluminum harness order for Toyota's new model launched in the summer.
Furukawa Electric established mass production system for the automotive aluminum harness in late 2010. The firm makes the mother wire in Indonesia and makes harness in Vietnam. The firm has monthly 6 tonnes of the mother wire making capacity. The firm developed original alloy with magnesium, iron and copper for the automotive aluminum harness. The firm developed special connector terminal with wider area to contact with electric wire conductor.
The firm estimates aluminum harness could be used in 30% of electric wire units for automobile. The firm expects the rate will increase to more than 60% in 5 years by improving flexibility, tensile strength and heat resistance of aluminum electric wire. Through the improvement, the firm tries to get order for harness in engine room and communication of vehicle.
Furukawa Electric expects around 80 billion yen of automotive wire harness sales in fiscal 2011 ending March 2012. The firm targets JPY 140 billion of the sales in fiscal 2015. The firm tries to improve the position in aluminum harness market with rivals including Sumitomo Electric Industries, Yazaki Corporation and Fujikura.
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