Environmental Advantage

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Automakers and auto suppliers across the globe are racing to revolutionize automobiles with an eye towards vehicle performance, while reducing their "footprint" on the earth through the exploration of advanced powertrains and alternative fuels. Automotive aluminum offers a simple solution. Lightweighting with aluminum allows cars and light trucks to have increased fuel efficiency and produce fewer tailpipe emissions linked to climate change because they require less power to get around making them the ultimate green vehicle.

The latest alternative fuel vehicles are putting this concept into action. The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid entered the marketplace providing both improved fuel economy and strength. Its efficiency is highlighted by its new aerodynamic enhancements and significant use of automotive aluminum products. Auto aluminum is the material of choice in the hood, tailgate, drive shafts and bumper structure of the Tahoe while the vehicle consumes roughly 30 percent less gasoline on average than its conventional version. Because a large portion of the body is made of automotive aluminum, it weighs 400 pounds less than the standard model. Once the hybrid drive, battery pack and hybrid hardware are inserted, the weight is about the same, allowing the maximum fuel economy to be realized. Low-mass aluminum wheels are also figured into the equation. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid leads the competition in the race to build more fuel efficient vehicles that maintain the size and vehicle performance consumers demand.

Regardless of the green technology, the greater the mass, the more energy required to move it. Lightweighting has been, and will continue to be, an important strategy for greener, more fuel efficient vehicles. The most effective way to achieve this today – and tomorrow – is through advanced, high strength, lightweight materials such as automotive aluminum. Simply, aluminum builds a better, more environmentally-friendly car.