Aluminum bypasses iron as second most used metal in motor vehicle applications.

Global aluminum use in automotive applications continues to grow, and when compared to the use of other metals, aluminum has now exceeded iron as the second most used automotive material worldwide, according to a new report commissioned by the Aluminum Assn. Inc.

The study found that passenger vehicles in North America now contain an average of 319 lbs. of aluminum, representing a 16% increase from 2002 data, which now places aluminum second only to steel in automotive applications.

This coincides with the AFS 2006 Metalcasting Forecast and Trends report, which states aluminum casting weight per light vehicle has increased to 260 lbs. in 2006 and is forecast to increase to 280 lbs. in 10 years.

Also released by the Auto & Light Truck Group was a relative value study on aluminum's costs and related benefits. While the metal's rising use confirms its cost benefit advantages in many applications today, the aluminum industry also documents the additional value and cost savings aluminum could offer as more of the metal is used in the future. The value study, conducted by IBIS Assoc., reveals the potential for significant additional cost savings from secondary weight savings and associated cost reductions, which can significantly offset up front materials costs.