Magnesium for Automobiles, In Perspective

As a common structural metal, magnesium is in its youth, coming into general use only after World War II. On the other hand, its serviceability as an automotive material was first proved in Germany during the 1930’s. This paper traces the history of one of the oldest applications of a relatively new metal by reference to a number of historical events, or mileposts, which clear the way for its large scale use in automobiles.