Novelis, a provider of aluminum automotive sheet, said that its material is used in the first full-production vehicle from Mercedes-Benz model with a structure designed in aluminum.
The company had supplied rolled products and aluminum can recycler supplied aluminum for the new newly launched 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL.
The new all-aluminum body will reduce the weight of the vehicle by about 140kgs (300 pounds) and also helps improve fuel economy.
The aluminum was used in the doors, hood, and various structural applications including the transmission tunnel.
According to the company, the early collaboration between the two companies resulted in the use of its new alloy, Anticorodal-300 (Ac-300) to develop this new piece, which is joined by friction stir welding.
The new alloy, which is also used in other structural applications, will provide improved crash safety and strength.
Novelis vice president of global automotive Roland Harings said that Ac-300 was developed for use in automotive structural applications.
"As Novelis continues to expand its activities in the global automotive market, working closely with our customers to match their needs is essential," Harings said.
Mercedes-Benz aluminum body-in-white manager Thomas Rudlaff said that the Mercedes SL aluminum body structure weighs a mere 254kgs (560 pounds) and is being considered as a replacement for steel in every discipline.
"Aluminum provides a more dynamic driving performance and lower fuel consumption creating measurable results for our customers," Rudlaff said.
