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Toyota Plans Aluminum-Intensive Bodies for Lexus Models
Toyota Motor Corp. is preparing to switch from steel to lighter-weight aluminum exterior body panels for its Lexus luxury cars beginning in 2017, according to The Nikkei, which cites no sources.
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Toyota Motor Corp. is preparing to switch from steel to lighter-weight aluminum exterior body panels for its Lexus luxury cars beginning in 2017, according to The Nikkei, which cites no sources.
Lexus will shift to aluminum hoods, doors and fenders as current models are redesigned, the Tokyo-based newspaper says. It reports that Toyota is targeting an average weight saving of 100 kg (220 lbs) per vehicle.
Toyota already uses some aluminum panels in Lexus vehicles and its Prius hybrid sedans.
The carmaker plans to spend several billion yen (roughly $35 million) to set up aluminum stamping operations outside Nagoya and elsewhere, according to The Nikkei. It says Toyota hopes to partly offset the cost of aluminum roughly three times the price of steel through high-volume purchases and parts standardization.
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