Size-Based Approach to Future Fuel Economy Standards Will Benefit Consumers and Environment, Aluminum Industry Tells Federal Regulators

December 2, 2009 (Washington, D.C) – In response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) current rulemaking to improve vehicle fuel economy, the following statement was issued by Steve Larkin, President, The Aluminum Association, Inc.:

“The Aluminum Association applauds the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s continued reliance on a size-based approach to setting Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards because it will encourage greater use of lighter materials and the societal benefits that go with them. Lightweight materials coupled with existing technologies make it possible for Americans to have cars the size they want, while also enjoying better fuel economy. Increased use of high strength, yet low weight, materials like aluminum will increase fuel economy, reduce emissions and improve safety. Recently, the association’s Aluminum Transportation Group conducted a study to examine plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles that showed when upgrading from steel to advanced aluminum body structures, the requirement for stored vehicle energy can be reduced by as much as 10 percent, which could save up to $3,000 per vehicle.

In terms of CO₂ reduction, the infinite recyclability of aluminum not only offers significant advantages during the vehicle use stage, but also in the end-of-life stage. A vehicle that uses aluminum to reduce weight uses less fuel and over the average life of a vehicle, every pound of aluminum that replaces two pounds of steel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 20 pounds. As regulatory requirements and consumer demand for efficiency and safety increase, we look forward to providing the proven aluminum solution.”

The Aluminum Association provided docket comments and comprehensive safety and cost benefit research to NHTSA as part of its CAFE rulemaking. For more information, to obtain a copy of the electric and hybrid vehicle study, or to arrange an interview on any of these issues, as well as the lightweight materials industry, please contact Kristin Tyll at 248.824.8200 or ktyll@stratacomm.net or visit www.autoaluminum.org.

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