Stephen Franklin correctly observed that, “automakers have strong reasons to be intrigued with aluminum.” (“Car makers Opt for Aluminum Weight-Loss Diet,” Nov. 10). But I’d like to address two points he raised.
Aluminum vehicles can be as strong–or stronger–than ones made of traditional materials. Aluminum has been used safely in cars and light trucks for years, and it regularly exceeds government safety tests.
In fact, aluminum-intensive “Humvees” helped our armed forces maneuver over rugged terrain during Desert Storm and the aluminum-intensive Space Shuttle recently helped protect John Glenn and the entire Discovery crew from the crushing pressures of outer space.
Also, aluminum’s main advantages stem from its weight-savings potential and therefore a straight pound-for-pound cost comparison is not appropriate.
Weight savings of more than 50 percent have been demonstrated in the body structure. Lighter cars also mean cost savings in other areas like down-size engines, transmissions, brakes and suspensions. Better still, lighter cars use less gas and save consumers money.
Aluminum helps automakers build the full-size cars and light trucks that consumers are demanding for safety and utility, while also maintaining good fuel economy.
