Lighten up!

Automakers and suppliers accelerate their efforts to reduce vehicle weight by engineering them for greater use of lighter, stronger materials.

Weight reduction is again a priority across the industry, as strict new regulations push for greater vehicle efficiency/CO₂ reduction in the U.S. and Europe. From the smallest fasteners to entire vehicle architectures, engineers are wringing excess ounces out of new components and systems, while looking for new ways to lighten up existing designs.

The benefits of lightweighting correlate directly to greater fuel economy as well as to improved vehicle dynamics. Studies have shown that every 10% reduction in vehicle weight can yield 5 to 8% greater fuel efficiency. Dropping 150 lb (68 kg) on average gives an extra mile of driving range per gallon of fuel consumed. In terms of its effect on carbon emissions, reducing vehicle weight by 220 lb (100 kg) brings a CO₂ reduction of up to 12.5 g/km.