Novelis collaborates to produce ‘best-in-class material’

Future fuel economy standards are already having a dramatic impact on the way vehicles are made. In the US, authorities have recently proposed rules for light-duty MY2022-2025 vehicles, suggesting that the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) will reach 50.8mpg. To achieve this target, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) believe that a number of different strategies must be adopted by OEMs.

Powertrain technology is one of the major focuses, as electrification and alternative powertrain architectures could go a long way to improving the average fuel economy of new vehicles. However, vehicle lightweighting and mass reduction will also play a vital role.

As a result, OEMs are examining a variety of approaches and materials to slash vehicle weight. Aluminium has been identified as “a cost-effective, safe and robust solution” for lightweighting, according to the Aluminium Transportation Group (ATG). Suppliers to the automotive industry could see significant growth as the future fuel economy standards come closer.

Speaking to Automotive World, Pierre Labat, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Global Automotive, Novelis, discussed the current demand of aluminium and expectations for the future.