Automotive lightweight materials are used in the manufacture of passenger cars and commercial vehicles to reduce their weight, which in turn improves fuel efficiency, acceleration and driving dynamics, while maintaining safety.

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Vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, component manufacturers, and assemblers are increasingly leaning towards lightweight materials due to the growing emphasis on reducing fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Stringent government regulations related to fuel economy and emissions and consumer demand for more fuel-efficient vehicles are some of the key factors driving the global automotive lightweight materials market.

Leading suppliers of automotive lightweight materials for the automotive industry

Just Auto has listed some of the leading suppliers of lightweight materials for the automotive industry based on its intel, insights, and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes manufacturers and suppliers of lightweight materials for automotive applications.

The information contained within the download document is designed for automotive designers, engineers, consultants, system integrators, auto body technicians, mechanics, and other automotive industry executives and technology leaders involved in automotive design, production and servicing.

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The download contains detailed information on lightweight materials suppliers and their product and service lines, alongside contact details to aid your purchasing decision.

Types of lightweight materials

Lightweight automotive materials are replacing low-carbon steel and cast iron used in the construction of vehicles. The types of materials used for lightweighting or vehicle weight reduction are:

  • Aluminium alloys
  • Magnesium alloys
  • Advanced high-strength steel (AHSS)
  • Ultra-high strength steel (UHSS)
  • Carbon fibre-reinforced plastics
  • Titanium, and
  • Polymer composites

Applications of automotive lightweight materials

Lightweight materials are used in vehicle components such as the body shell, braking system, steering, engine, battery, seat, dashboard, bumper, wheel, door panelling, and gearbox.

In addition to reducing weight and increasing fuel efficiency, lightweight materials provide structural safety and crash resistance.

Lightweight materials provide an avenue for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve the range and efficiency of electric vehicles. They are expected to enable manufacturers to address the range of anxiety issues of electric vehicle users when travelling long distances. The materials can offset the weight of heavy batteries and motors onboard electric vehicles, and provide opportunities to add additional emission control systems, as well as electronic and safety systems.

Companies are investing in the research and development (R&D) of lightweight materials to develop new materials and increase the recyclability of the materials. Combining lightweight materials with advanced manufacturing technologies will reduce the cost of these materials and enable their large-scale production.