Interview: Michael Hahne, VP Automotive, Novelis Europe

Aluminium first began appearing in automobiles over 30 years ago, with premium and luxury OEMs in Europe leading the way to deliver enhanced performance and handling. Since then the technology has matured, and all major OEMs are now able to handle aluminium in their production process. The lightweight metal now appears in varying quantities across all vehicle segments, with one of today’s main drivers being the regulation of fuel economy and emissions.

Novelis describes itself as the leading supplier of automotive aluminium, with bases in all three major markets, and has been involved from the start. Michael Hahne, VP Automotive, Novelis Europe, believes that the future is one of mixed-material production. He began by outlining the varied challenges Novelis sees worldwide.