Growth Opportunities for Lightweight Metals in Automotive Industry are Driven by Strict Regulations for Reduction in CO2 Emissions
Global trends targeted towards more energy efficient vehicles driven by the strict legislations regarding reduction of carbon dioxide emissions are putting pressure on the car OEMs. In order to achieve higher energy-efficiency and meet the legislative requirements, lighter cars must be built. One of the ways to achieve the lightweighting is to replace conventionally used materials such as traditional steel with lighter metal alloys, with no compromise in the materials’ performance.
This research service titled “Future of Lightweight Metals in the Automotive Sector” discusses the possibilities of introducing novel lightweight metals into car design and the benefits it can bring towards lighter, safer, and less emissive cars. We present a benchmarking analysis of metal alloys: aluminum, magnesium, beryllium, titanium, and advanced high-strength steel (AHSSS) and their potential use in the car design.
The key properties of each material that act as indicators for performance factors are identified and presented in detail. Application scope within the car is assessed, indicating which elements can be potentially replaced with aforementioned metals. Assessment of needs from different application segments in automotive industry is carried out in order to identify the gaps and assess the future opportunities.
A listing of key innovations, best practice examples, stakeholder initiatives, and patent filing trends in automotive industries is included to give an indication of the road ahead for novel materials and its’ manufacturing techniques to watch.
