European Cars Expected to Hike Aluminum Usage 28% by 2020

The average aluminum content in European cars will climb to 180 kg by 2020 from 140 kg in 2012 as carmakers strive to lower carbon dioxide emissions by cutting vehicle weight, predicts the Brussels-based European Aluminium trade group.

Most of the growth will come in the form of structural extrusions and rolled sheet aluminum used for body and chassis panels, according to the association.

Gerd Gotz, the group’s director general, tells Reuters that makers of luxury and large vehicles are leading the swing to aluminum. But he predicts usage will rise in smaller and less expensive models too as European emission standards tighten.

Carmakers are supposed to hit a CO₂ emission average this year of 130 g/km and reach 95 g/km by 2021. European standards set emission targets solely according to vehicle mass. Gotz notes U.S. regulators use a “footprint” model that considers a vehicle’s size and engine efficiency.

The European approach gives carmakers less incentive to reduce vehicle weight, according to FotHe says European Aluminium is pushing for Europe to adopt the U.S. model.