Neckarsulm-based KS HUAYU AluTech GmbH, Rheinmetall Automotive's joint venture with China's HUAYU Automotive Systems (HASCO), has been awarded a major order for aluminum engine blocks worth €170 million (lifetime volume) by a German premium carmaker. With the follow-up order, Rheinmetall Automotive is opening another chapter in its longstanding development partnership with this internationally recognized automaker.
The refined new generation of 8-cylinder gasoline engine blocks will be low-pressure die cast at the Neckarsulm location. The complex process requires three sand cores and downstream double heat treatment. The blocks will be used for the top-of-the-range engines powering present and future large limousines and SUVs of the OEM.
The first series has already gone into production in 2017 and a second start-up for another further modified model will take place next year. Initial prototypes of this advanced-technology engine block are currently being tested by the customer.
Source: Rheinmetall