Lightweighting to reach ‘dizzying heights with correct material mix’

According to a recent paper published by the Centre for Automotive Research (CAR), US fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards will drive considerable improvement in vehicle lightweighting in the near future. “A reduction in vehicle mass by 10% is estimated to improve fuel economy by as much as 6% to 8%,” it reads. “Vehicle lightweighting is a well-known and proven method to improving fuel economy.”

The report also suggests that all OEMs have been striving to offset additional vehicle weight that is amassed from new safety, infotainment, comfort and performance features. As a result, a greater proportion of various lightweight materials are being used during the manufacturing process, including advanced high strength steels (AHSS), aluminium, plastics and magnesium.