Emirates Global Aluminium, the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, has highlighted the important role of UAE-made aluminium in the European automotive industry at a major trade event in Germany.
EGA supplies metal directly to two world-renowned European carmakers as well as to more than 15 of the most important parts makers in the European automotive industry’s supply chain.
Europe is a major market for EGA’s aluminium, accounting for approximately a quarter of the company’s worldwide sales. About one-third of EGA’s supplies to Europe are to the continent’s automotive sector.
EGA is participating this week in GIFA, a forum that takes place every four years in the German city of Düsseldorf.
Raid Mallala, EGA’s Senior Director of Marketing and Sales in Europe and America, said: “EGA has supplied aluminium to Europe since the start of production at our Jebel Ali smelter in 1979, and today we meet more than 10 per cent of Western Europe’s primary aluminium needs. We are proud to be a particularly important supplier to Europe’s car industry. With our direct sales to car companies and parts makers in their supply chain, we believe that almost all major European car manufacturers are today using UAE-made aluminium in their vehicles.”
Aluminium is increasingly used in vehicles because it is strong but lightweight, contributing to fuel efficiency. Industry experts estimate that by 2025, the average car could contain 250 kilogrammes of the metal.
EGA is one of the largest suppliers of foundry alloys to the automotive industry worldwide and is certified to IATF 16949:2016, the latest global standard established by the automotive industry which aims to ensure even more rigorous quality management in the global automotive supply chain.
Last year EGA was named “Global Supplier of the Year” by Maxion Wheels, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of wheels for cars, trucks and other vehicles. EGA has been supplying Maxion Wheels, which are used by almost every major vehicle brand, with aluminium since 1995.
