Automotive Aluminum Seminar: Driving Technology
22 October 1997
Automotive Aluminum Seminar: Driving Technology
18th Annual Automotive Aluminum Design and Fabrication Seminar Highlights How
Aluminum is Driving Technology and Changing the Automotive Industry
LIVONIA, Mich., Oct. 22 -- The 18th Annual Automotive
Aluminum Design and Fabrication Seminar showcased a number of innovative
aluminum technologies that will change the automotive industry as it moves
into the 21st Century.
The October 22nd seminar held in Livonia, MI featured a keynote address
given by Jeremiah J. Sheehan, Chairman and CEO of Reynolds Metals Company, who
provided automakers with an overview of the benefits of aluminum and discussed
ways in which the partnership between the aluminum industry and the auto
industry can be strengthened even further.
"Aluminum's unique characteristics make it one of the world's most
versatile materials," Sheehan said. He added that it is important to remember
that aluminum is not "value-neutral." That it "helps vehicles accelerate,
brake and handle better," and that "a light car doesn't have to be a small
car."
Touching on one of the most beneficial contributions aluminum can make to
the automotive industry, Sheehan noted that, "compared to traditional vehicle
structures, aluminum structures provide equal energy absorption and
crashworthiness at half the weight."
"The automotive industry is of major importance to aluminum suppliers,"
said Jane Petty Lichter, Director of Transportation for The Aluminum
Association. "Last year, the transportation sector accounted for 27.6 percent
of aluminum shipments. That supply translates into 247 lbs. of various
aluminum applications in today's average vehicle."
"This seminar provides a forum for aluminum and automotive experts to
share ideas on how aluminum can offer further benefits to the automotive
industry," Lichter added.
The seminar also featured presentations by experts from Audi, Chrysler
Corporation, Ford Motor Company and General Motors, who spoke about structural
technologies and aluminum casting/forging innovations.
A number of displays were on hand to showcase aluminum technologies that
are currently on the road in passenger vehicles. The 1998 Chrysler
Intrepid/Concorde features an aluminum hood and rear suspension crossmember.
Seminar attendees also viewed the Ford F-150 which debuts the first
application of an aluminum closure panel in the light truck market. The F-150
also features an aluminum hood weighing 22.5 lbs, resulting in a more than 50%
weight reduction from a similar steel hood, demonstrating the benefits
achieved by incorporating aluminum technology.
The Aluminum Association represents U.S. producers of primary and
secondary aluminum, as well as semi-fabricated products. Member companies
operate approximately 300 plants in 40 states.
Copies of select speakers' remarks are available.
AUTOMOTIVE ALUMINUM SEMINAR: DRIVING TECHNOLOGY
TOPICS/SPEAKERS
Welcome
Robert J. Kazmier; Reynolds Metals Company
Keynote Address
Jeremiah J. Sheehan; Reynolds Metals company
The Audi A8 Aluminum Spaceframe
Heinrich Timm; Audi, AG
PNGV -- A Partnership for the Future
Dr. Allan Murray; Ford Motor Company
Hydroforming of Structural Aluminum
Components For The Automotive Industry
Colin Macrae; Schuler Incorporated
Stamping Tailored Blanks
Scott Gorelick; Ogihara America Corporation
Crash and the Testing of the Panoz Roadster
Daniel Panoz; Panoz Automotive Development
Corp.
Mac M. Yousry, Global Vehicle Systems Corp.
Innovative Design of BIW Structures Based on
Extruded Profiles
Dr. Frank Hermann: VAW America Research &
Development
Aluminum Sheet Materials for Automobiles
Michael J. Bull; Alcan Aluminum Corporation
Corvette Windshield Frame
Karen Gilkey; General Motors Corporation
Cold Impact Extrusions and Its Applications
William R. Hancock; Piper Impact, Inc.
Metal Compression Forming
Dr. Garry A. Rozak; Thompson Aluminum Casting
Company
LH Crossmember
Steven Kenner; Chrysler Corporation
SOURCE The Aluminum Association