Future of aluminium in auto production to be debated at Birmingham summit
LEADING figures from the British automotive industry are set to discuss the growing demand for aluminium amongst carmakers at a special conference in Birmingham this autumn.
Until recently, aluminium has only been used in mechanical components in cars, with all-aluminium vehicle bodies such as those now being pioneered by the likes of Jaguar Land Rover consigned to the preserve of high end or specialist vehicles.
However, this is now changing as mass-market models begin to utilise the recyclable material in chassis and bodies.
The two-day event, which is being organised by the Aluminium Federation (ALFED), takes place on November 11 and 12 at the Thinktank Science Museum in Birmingham.
The conference will build on last year’s successful gathering with more than 100 delegates due to attend each day from companies including Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan and Toyota.
This year’s event will see Lotus attend for the first time and Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), will chair a key session about manufacturers’ race to lighten the weight of vehicles with lightweight materials such as aluminium.
Supply chain companies, material specialists, process engineers, and service companies will also be represented at the event.
The conference will be opened by Aston University’s Professor David Bailey, who will deliver a keynote speech on the big drivers of change in the auto industry.
Prof Bailey said: “The conference comes at a great time with the industry working hard to cut emissions, with lightweighting right at the top of their strategies to do so. That means more use of lighter materials like aluminium and composites alongside the huge effort to develop more fuel efficient engines and to bring in hybrids and electric vehicles. The shift by JLR into focusing on aluminium here in the region is one example of that, alongside many other local examples.”
The conference is being organised by ALFED, the Aluminium Federation, supported by Jaguar Land Rover and the SMMT.
Sessions will cover: commercial, economic and material supply and demand; emerging technologies; vehicle strategies and sustainability and innovation.
