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Carmakers Steering Away From Steel in Order to Meet Fuel Economy Standards

usnews.com -- Faced with increasingly stringent benchmarks—the government's new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards require a passenger vehicle fleet that averages 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025—carmakers are taking another approach to achieving better fuel mileage: shaving weight off vehicles by experimenting with lighter materials.

Automobiles have long been made from steel—a very strong, but heavy material. Now manufacturers are experimenting with new materials—ranging from aluminum to carbon fiber composites to metal alloys—to help companies reach the ambitious fuel efficiency standards.

"They don't have to make these changes immediately, but there's much more a sense of urgency now," says Bruce Belzowski, research scientist at University of Michigan's Transportation Research Institute.

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Submitted Jan 16, 2013 By: comprof

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tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:33,033 Points:2,346,485 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: Jan 18, 2013 6:53:20 AM Ignore tomok Report Abuse Carmakers Steering Away From Steel in Order to Meet Fuel Economy Standards. Vehicles can be made lighter for higher fuel efficiency AND be very strong too. Aluminium, exotic metals and alloys, titanium, carbon fiber, strong plastic composites are a few materials to make car bodies and parts from. Very strong driver and passenger cages and numerous air bags placed on all sides of the inside occupant areas, design vehicles to absorb front/rear/side impacts. Defensive driving and vehicle sensors, cameras, radars and gps connected to a computer to help get from one place to another. All changes and improvements to the vehicle will be at a higher cost than todays current vehicles. There will be much higher repair costs when accidents occur too. Whatever the size or shape of the vehicle, vehicle manufactures Produce and the population ‘Drives’ vehicles with high MPG, are very safe, reliable, have a ‘reasonable’ cost and a good ‘value’ for the money. The price of fuel at the pump is too high! XII/XXII/MMXII! - The Day After......
HawaiianGuy Champion Author Idaho Posts:9,528 Points:3,079,700 Joined:May 2003	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 5:09:10 AM Ignore HawaiianGuy Report Abuse All you environmentalists, you knew it would sooner or later come to this, and even worse. 54.4 mpg? Totally unrealistic.
remay Champion Author Houston Posts:6,968 Points:2,118,365 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 4:48:50 AM Ignore remay Report Abuse maybe they should include wings if they are going to be so light to help on those windy roads
jcdakota Champion Author Baltimore Posts:1,347 Points:361,345 Joined:Nov 2010	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 1:51:26 AM Ignore jcdakota Report Abuse When do we get to the Jetson's vehicle that folds into a briefcase - no parking problems!!!
SkooterG Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,359 Points:328,585 Joined:May 2012	Message Posted: Jan 17, 2013 1:19:40 AM Ignore SkooterG Report Abuse These technologies have been developing and in use for quite a long time. CAFE standards have nothing to do with it.
CiVX Champion Author Oakland Posts:7,055 Points:1,359,610 Joined:Feb 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:38:51 PM Ignore CiVX Report Abuse steel is better some ways.
rjhenn Champion Author Des Moines Posts:22,444 Points:2,229,925 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:19:43 PM Ignore rjhenn Report Abuse Saturn was great, at first. Then GM ignored them for ten years, then turned them into just another GM division, no different from every other GM division.
ExplorerWA Champion Author Washington Posts:4,083 Points:797,375 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:17:30 PM Ignore ExplorerWA Report Abuse Fuel economy at the sake of safety.
N5EXY Champion Author Austin Posts:5,497 Points:1,510,755 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:08:17 PM Ignore N5EXY Report Abuse Saturn? Out of this world. I want a safety cage. If I wanted to be an organ donor I would still do motorcycles.
danreino Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:8,353 Points:1,540,730 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:07:30 PM Ignore danreino Report Abuse Too bad Reardon Metal doesn't exist....oh wait, it does; but King Barraqh wants you in a FLIMSY aluminum can...not Audi quality here folks. Will make the Smart Cars seem as safe as a Brinks truck.
libertyut Champion Author Utah Posts:1,350 Points:291,625 Joined:Mar 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:06:52 PM Ignore libertyut Report Abuse I think it can be done before 2025. We have been experimenting with new materials for a long time. Saturn did it. Oh there no longer around.
ManOfLeisureII Champion Author Philadelphia Posts:1,879 Points:455,125 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:03:37 PM Ignore ManOfLeisureII Report Abuse Government mandate for higher mileage = less safe and desirable vehicles. And we won't have much choice about it.
cheaper0ON All-Star Author Ontario Posts:988 Points:399,030 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:03:30 PM Ignore cheaper0ON Report Abuse Safety is the first priority.
troutbum7 Veteran Author Nevada Posts:306 Points:157,165 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:02:48 PM Ignore troutbum7 Report Abuse Wheeled caskets, what will they think of next?
unclenorman Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,348 Points:140,250 Joined:Jan 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:01:40 PM Ignore unclenorman Report Abuse ok
CCLighthouse Champion Author Hartford Posts:1,008 Points:214,005 Joined:Aug 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:00:53 PM Ignore CCLighthouse Report Abuse Can you say death traps.
CIWS Champion Author London Posts:2,424 Points:582,440 Joined:Feb 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 10:00:26 PM Ignore CIWS Report Abuse definite pros and cons,safety being paramount
boatcatawba Sophomore Author Cleveland Posts:206 Points:145,735 Joined:Dec 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:59:10 PM Ignore boatcatawba Report Abuse safety first.
Jeeputtputt Champion Author Ohio Posts:3,002 Points:677,465 Joined:Aug 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:56:41 PM Ignore Jeeputtputt Report Abuse try pedals
bvrbill Champion Author Eugene Posts:3,223 Points:518,850 Joined:Jul 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:55:00 PM Ignore bvrbill Report Abuse Lighter may not be safer.
nwsynthetics Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,014 Points:346,425 Joined:Dec 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:52:28 PM Ignore nwsynthetics Report Abuse I say use wax paper and balasa wood
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:8,071 Points:1,732,210 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:50:24 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse cardboard sounds exciting
snagged Veteran Author Akron Posts:396 Points:111,430 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:45:06 PM Ignore snagged Report Abuse Use cardbroad.
gasguzler4667 Sophomore Author Ottawa Posts:202 Points:10,210 Joined:Nov 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:45:02 PM Ignore gasguzler4667 Report Abuse Lower cost to build,(plastic). Cost to the public? Not as safe and no cost savings on the tag price. Perfect for the auto industry. Not so good for the public.
GigHarborHound Champion Author Tacoma Posts:2,537 Points:488,490 Joined:Sep 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:40:34 PM Ignore GigHarborHound Report Abuse Let's drive around in an air bag!!!
Math6149 All-Star Author Jacksonville Posts:873 Points:1,796,375 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:39:57 PM Ignore Math6149 Report Abuse That's not new.
charg3rguy1991 All-Star Author Greensboro Posts:761 Points:244,440 Joined:Sep 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:31:42 PM Ignore charg3rguy1991 Report Abuse not a good idea cars need to be strong and safe
DCbeachbum Champion Author South Carolina Posts:2,647 Points:904,815 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:31:38 PM Ignore DCbeachbum Report Abuse Safety needs to be the number one priority, not the MPG that someone (and we all know who) thinks is a good idea.
us4usa Champion Author Missouri Posts:5,991 Points:1,113,265 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:31:14 PM Ignore us4usa Report Abuse Will the new cars come with helmets???
Titan_62 Champion Author Maryland Posts:1,463 Points:328,430 Joined:Apr 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:29:59 PM Ignore Titan_62 Report Abuse Thanks for posting
MotoDad Champion Author Phoenix Posts:1,106 Points:812,015 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:22:58 PM Ignore MotoDad Report Abuse ok
Marson Champion Author Scranton Posts:8,952 Points:2,079,135 Joined:Oct 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:18:30 PM Ignore Marson Report Abuse Lighter cars use less gas and kill and injure more people.
BREW9 All-Star Author Tampa Posts:886 Points:2,912,955 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:18:15 PM Ignore BREW9 Report Abuse not good
FlogNut Champion Author Chicago Posts:104,355 Points:1,989,400 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:14:34 PM Ignore FlogNut Report Abuse Because of the idiotic CAFE standards automakers will once again trade safety for fuel economy. People will die because of these new fuel standards!
DrLyon Champion Author Michigan Posts:6,650 Points:1,211,830 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:14:14 PM Ignore DrLyon Report Abuse Remember safety...
atdinut Champion Author California Posts:1,608 Points:353,985 Joined:Apr 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:12:31 PM Ignore atdinut Report Abuse Lighter vehicles means you will be able to "toss" them around more!
TxMtb Champion Author Ohio Posts:1,540 Points:344,330 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:09:10 PM Ignore TxMtb Report Abuse And the safety will suffer, but no one will care about that.
BigBlue5 All-Star Author Spokane Posts:674 Points:135,885 Joined:Apr 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:06:48 PM Ignore BigBlue5 Report Abuse Plastic and aluminum, are you kidding? What about safety you morons.
drz614 Champion Author Harrisburg Posts:2,304 Points:598,595 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 9:00:37 PM Ignore drz614 Report Abuse ore will go into pipe instead.
neptune2008 Champion Author Michigan Posts:8,573 Points:1,669,725 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:59:10 PM Ignore neptune2008 Report Abuse there goes that industry...ha
John_T1 Champion Author Toronto Posts:13,930 Points:2,781,090 Joined:Dec 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:59:03 PM Ignore John_T1 Report Abuse Safety must be given high priority, even if it costs that little bit more to do some extra R&D. I'm sure people will pay a little extra knowing they'll be safe in the event of an accident, and the decreased weight will mean better fuel economy so they'll be saving money on gas to offset the higher initial cost of the vehicle.
Dragnet Champion Author Arizona Posts:15,406 Points:2,908,760 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:57:53 PM Ignore Dragnet Report Abuse Sure, plastic doesn't protect anything and we will see more deaths as people get even crazier on the roads
Mr_Bill_W All-Star Author Virginia Posts:566 Points:359,010 Joined:Feb 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:56:19 PM Ignore Mr_Bill_W Report Abuse Okay...
Beaveronparade Champion Author Hartford Posts:2,105 Points:635,800 Joined:Mar 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:54:36 PM Ignore Beaveronparade Report Abuse I always feel better in a car that's heavier & made of steel. Its safer is there's an accident.I know it is a sacrifice as far as gas mileage is concerned.
Moparmizer Sophomore Author Iowa Posts:123 Points:35,435 Joined:Oct 2012	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:54:22 PM Ignore Moparmizer Report Abuse pesky laws of physics
leemun Champion Author Utah Posts:5,533 Points:1,040,125 Joined:May 2010	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:52:53 PM Ignore leemun Report Abuse People will die. Do Environazis care?
30mpg80 Champion Author Lexington Posts:10,035 Points:1,487,855 Joined:Nov 2008	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:52:53 PM Ignore 30mpg80 Report Abuse Good idea to steer away from steel any time you see a chunk in the road.
MRHONEST Champion Author Illinois Posts:2,212 Points:1,675,680 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:51:36 PM Ignore MRHONEST Report Abuse UNBELIEVABLE!
ILoveGoldens All-Star Author Kentucky Posts:901 Points:378,880 Joined:Aug 2011	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:50:10 PM Ignore ILoveGoldens Report Abuse kzrooster - good point!
PDQBlues Champion Author San Diego Posts:7,074 Points:1,448,325 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Jan 16, 2013 8:50:02 PM Ignore PDQBlues Report Abuse Many of the composites being used in car manufacturing are not only lighter but many are even stronger than steel.