All the weight down

New models may be larger than the vehicles they replace, but automakers are combating potential weight gains by turning to clever aluminum and carbon-fiber structures.

While vehicle engineers admit that there is still a place for steel in their future products' structures, it will not stop them from seeking alternatives to the tried-and-tested material.

Jaguar has been one of the pioneers of such experimentation, working more and more aluminum into its product range over a number of years. Mark White, Chief Technical Specialist for Body Structures at the Tata-owned manufacturer, admits the trend will only increase.