U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu has announced projects for the development of stronger and lighter materials for American-made vehicles. The projects include the development of modeling tools, as well as research into lightweight, high-strength alloys for energy-efficient engines.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.According to Chu: “With strong, lightweight materials we have an opportunity to dramatically increase vehicle fuel economy, while helping America maintain its competitive edge in automotive design and manufacturing.”
The Obama Administration believes replacing cast iron and traditional steel components with lightweight materials – including advanced high- strength steel, magnesium, aluminum and carbon fiber composites will allow vehicle manufacturers to include additional safety devices, integrated electronic systems and emissions control equipment on vehicles without increasing the weight of the vehicle.
The U.S. Department of Energy noted that by reducing a vehicle’s weight by just 10 percent can improve the fuel economy by 6 percent to 8 percent.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services.
For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
