The case for aluminium use in vehicles: Alcoa

ALCOA’s Todd Summe claims aluminium offers real-world fuel economy and emissions benefits to manufacturers of commercial vehicles. Summe, Division Manager of Product and Development for Alcoa, made his claims at the SAE Commercial Vehicle Engineering and Exhibition in Illinois, USA. According to Summe, the commercial vehicle industry faces many challenges, including concern over greenhouse gas emissions, fuel costs and regulations that add weight to vehicles. Alcoa says aluminium is high strength while weighing less, offering 40 to 50% weight savings over steel. Used in vehicles, it can increase payload, provide better fuel economy and cut emissions. Alcoa claims aluminium, being infinitely recyclable, can also increase resale value and meet sustainability goal, without sacrificing safety and performance. Summe says the features of aluminium can be further matched with hybrid electric vehicles to improve their performance, while enhancing environmental outcomes.