Auto Aluminum Growth

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As automakers continue to make improvements to their fleets, they are still looking to automotive aluminum for its fuel economy, safety and performance benefits. The latest Ducker Worldwide growth report confirms that aluminum represents 7.8 percent of vehicle curb weight internationally in today’s family cars, trucks and minivans. This increased use is due to the many cost and fuel economy benefits that lightweight aluminum offers. A similar study was conducted in 2006 predicting aluminum to continue uninterrupted growth and the latest study in 2009 confirms that notion.

North American Automotive Aluminum Growth

In 2009, the percentage of auto aluminum content reached an all-time high of 8.6 percent of curb weight in North American 2009 model year vehicles. The data shows that aluminum content for light vehicles is projected to continue its growth, just as it has year-over-year for nearly four decades. Current projections indicate this growth will continue at a rate of approximately four to five pounds per vehicle, per year and approach 300 pounds per vehicle worldwide by 2020.

Rise in Global Automotive Aluminum Use

Since the 2006 model year, aluminum content has also experienced steady growth in light vehicle applications across the globe, especially in Europe and Japan. Long-term growth rates remain in line with the significant growth rates of the late 1970s to early 1990s, despite the shift to smaller vehicles.

An estimated total of 67 vehicles from the European (49) and Japanese (18) markets contain over 400 pounds of finished aluminum. Looking ahead, recycled aluminum is expected to continue to represent at least 50 percent of the total amount of auto aluminum used through 2020.

Automakers worldwide continue to recognize the value of automotive aluminum including its environmental, safety and vehicle performance advantages. As automakers continue to innovate and differentiate themselves with more green cars and light trucks, the time to use lightweight materials like aluminum is now. Coupled with smaller hybrid and diesel powertrains, auto aluminum can maximize vehicle gas mileage while paying the consumer back faster at the fuel pump.

Overall, the amount of aluminum in vehicles is not only increasing, but also spreading across market segments and application types. Automotive aluminum is continuing to become a more common choice in vehicle technology as the industry moves to manufacturing more environmentally-friendly, fuel-efficient and wallet-conscious vehicles.

For more information, please see our press release or executive summaries for the North American and International studies on auto aluminum growth.