Aluminum use on rise in autos

The use of aluminum in the manufacture of automobiles is expected to increase, says the chairman of major aluminum producer Alcan Aluminum (TSE).

At a press briefing in New York City, David Morton said that “systematic or organic growth” of aluminum in automobiles, by expanding such traditional applications as castings, will increase the average aluminum content to 200 lb. per car from 160 lb.

“However, a quantum leap in aluminum usage — 200-300 lb. per unit — is possible by adopting aluminum body structures and panels,” he said. According to Morton, if half of the 10 million cars produced annually in the U.S. were to use all current aluminum applications, more than one million tonnes of additional aluminum would be needed.

Montreal-based Alcan maintains that the use of aluminum offers a solution to the major fuel economy and emission reduction problems being faced by the auto industry.

Aluminum had a turbulent year in 1991; the industry had to contend with record low prices, high inventories and an unprecedented level of Soviet exports to the West.