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Article: Big three target light metals. (Chrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp.)
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- Article date:
- September 9, 1993
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. (US). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The Big Three automakers have launched a cooperative research program to develop lightweight metals--aluminum, magnesium, and matrix composites--for use on cars and light trucks.
Scientists and engineers from Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors will define and conduct vehicle-oriented research and development on light metals processing. Light metals currently account for less than 200 lb. of average vehicle weight.
The Big Three now use an average of about 1.9 billion lb. of aluminum annually in components such as cylinder heads, pistons, transmission cases, and wheels. Increased use of aluminum for powertrain components and exterior panels, as well as ...