Big 3 Auto Makers to Confer on Materials : Research: Consortium will seek ways to reduce vehicle weight. Results could aid evolution of the electric-powered car.
The Big Three auto makers said Tuesday they have formed a consortium that will research the use of aluminum and other lightweight materials in future vehicles. It is the 11th such collaboration announced by General Motors Corp., Chrysler Corp. and Ford Motor Co. in the last 2 1/2 years.
The new project comes as the auto makers are engaged in intense negotiations about joint research into electrically powered vehicles. An announcement is expected in the next few weeks on cooperative electric vehicle efforts, perhaps with an unprecedented joint production agreement.
The materials research will be conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Council of Automotive Research, an umbrella group formed a year ago. USCAR is overseeing joint research on advanced battery and low-emissions technology, vehicle recycling, safety issues and other problems common to the manufacturers.
The Big Three have been conducting materials research together for some time. Earlier this year, USCAR announced it had been awarded its first patent, for the processing of liquid-molded composites. Such lighter materials eventually may replace steel in certain vehicle components.
M. S. Rashid, chairman of the new project and GM’s top metallurgist, said the consortium will continue research into polymer composites and also expand its studies to aluminum. Eventually, the group plans to look into cast iron, ceramics, engineered plastics, steel and advanced metals such as titanium.
Aluminum has long been eyed as a lightweight alternative to steel. But it is much more expensive and is less malleable unless it is used with alloys.
Although no formal budget has been established, officials of the new effort said they have identified more than $200 million in worthwhile projects. They will seek up to $100 million from the federal government and hope to work with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, which has already done extensive work in lightweight-materials research.
Officials also said the development of energy-efficient, lightweight materials is essential to the development of a “clean car” since light vehicles burn less fuel than heavier ones.
The Clinton Administration has been pushing the automotive industry to intensify efforts to develop non-polluting cars, such as gas-and-electric hybrids or alternative-fuel vehicles. The White House has also encouraged cooperation among industry, the national labs and the government.
