Photo: GM
Ford recently announced that they are working on bringing carbon fiber to the masses, and they showed off a bonnet for the new Focus, which was entirely made out of the stuff. Now, not to be outdone, GM have also announced the development of a new and better material for use in the bodies of the cars they build.
However, GM has opted for a different approach, using a material which has so far only found use in the auto industry, for the manufacturing of alloy rims - magnesium. The American firm is testing a thermal forming process, which will be able to make tough, rigid panes which will be one third lighter than anything made out of aluminium, and around 75% lighter than steel parts.
According to Greg Warden, Executive Director for Global Vehicles Body Engineering, Greg Warden, said: "Every gram of weight reduction matters when it comes to improving fuel economy. Being able to replace heavier metals with one of the lightest will help us deliver better fuel economy to customers around the world while also still providing the safety and durability they expect."
According to Greg Warden, Executive Director for Global Vehicles Body Engineering, Greg Warden, said: "Every gram of weight reduction matters when it comes to improving fuel economy. Being able to replace heavier metals with one of the lightest will help us deliver better fuel economy to customers around the world while also still providing the safety and durability they expect."
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