A new study says the amount of aluminum used in new European cars has risen from about 110 pounds in 1990 to almost 300 pounds in 2005, reducing the amount of carbon monoxide released in the process.
According to the study’s findings, the achieved weight savings will lead to 40 million tonnes of CO2 emissions saved over the lifespan of these new vehicles.
The study was conducted by Knibb, Gormezano & Partners (KGP) in cooperation with the European Aluminium Association (EAA) and is based on the analysis of the 15 million cars produced in Europe in 2005. The study reviewed 20 body components, 17 chassis and suspension components and 25 power train components.
The largest quantity of parts made from aluminum includes air conditioning systems, bonnets, bumper beams and steering columns. A growing amount of aluminum is being used in closures, body structure and chassis applications, improving both automotive safety and performance.
"Europe is leading the way in the innovative use of aluminum in cars,” Roland Harings, Chairman of the EAA Automotive Board said. “As 100 kg of aluminum on a car can reduce CO2 emissions per kilometer by 9 grams and even 10 grams if fuel production is considered, aluminum as material for light weighting cars has a clear advantage.”
Aluminum is a light, strong and corrosion resistant and is highly conductive and recyclable, the group noted.
