Platts reported that the aluminum content in the automotive sector has reached an all time high of 8.6% of average vehicle curb weight in 2009, continuing almost 40 years of uninterrupted growth in North America. Aluminum Association said that the integration of aluminum in cars and light trucks is projected to be nearly 11% of curb weight by 2020. On a worldwide basis, the amount of aluminum content for light vehicles is 7.8% of the average worldwide light vehicle curb weight of 3,185 pounds in 2009. Content growth is predicted to continue at a rate of 4 to 5 pounds vehicle per year and approach 300 pound vehicle worldwide in 2020.
North America ranks as the world leader in aluminum penetration in cars, pickups, SUVs and minivans, where a net increase of more than 8 lb occurred between 2006 and 2009 vehicles despite a 10% loss in share for large, full frame vehicles with high aluminum content. More than 50 vehicles produced in North America contain over 10% aluminum content. Honda and BMW are now the aluminum content leaders, replacing General Motors and Nissan, with both companies averaging more than 340 pounds of aluminum per vehicle. General Motors, Honda, Toyota, BMW, Hyundai and Volkswagen all increased the amount of aluminum content of their North American vehicles from 2006 to 2009.
On a component basis, the study cites engine blocks and steering knuckles with the largest increase in growth over the last three years; with penetration of aluminum blocks reaching nearly 70%, the largest driver of aluminum growth in this decade. In addition, more than 22% of vehicles currently made in the US have aluminum hoods, an all time record. For North America specifically, automakers and other experts ranked the use of aluminum as a replacement for heavier materials as a very significant option to improve fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 and nearly as important as hybrid technology.
