Aluminum to gain vs. steel in auto: Ducker

Oct 17, 2012 | 02:12 PM | Suzy Waite

Tags  Ducker Worldwide, Richard Schultz, automotive, aluminum, steel, Aluminum Association, Aluminum Extruders Council, Suzy Waite

CHICAGO — The "stars are aligned" for the aluminum industry as automotive manufacturers increasingly turn to the lightweight metal to reduce vehicle weight, although the steel industry won’t go down without a fight, Ducker Worldwide LLC managing director Richard Schultz said.

As automakers look to meet stricter fuel economy standards, the average volume of aluminum per vehicle will increase to 550 pounds by 2025 from 343 pounds today, some of which is expected to come at the expense of traditional steel components, according to Schultz’s forecast.

"You’ve been dealt a very favorable hand, which you’ll probably never be dealt again," he told aluminum producers, extruders, fabricators and rolling mills at the annual meeting of the Aluminum Association and Aluminum Extruders Council in Chicago.....





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