An Aston Martin-backed project aimed at supporting the development of sustainable, lightweight aluminium castings for its vehicles has been awarded £6 million from the UK government.

The boost comes via the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC). The grant will support Project PIVOT, a collaborative five-partner research and development project led by Coventry-based aluminium supplier Sarginsons.

Backed by Aston Martin, the project seeks to improve the global casting industry through overhauling the design, weight, carbon emissions and production of cast aluminium, allowing the adoption of 100% recycled content.

This funding announcement is another positive step in Aston Martin’s sustainability strategy ‘Racing Green’, it says.

Roberto Fedeli, Group Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin, said: “The award of funding from the APC is a major boost to Project PIVOT, which seeks to leverage advanced metal solidification and digital-twin simulations to manufacture low-carbon alloys which will ultimately uplift the level of recycled content we feature in Aston Martin models.”

Ian Constance, APC Chief Executive, said: “These collaborative projects will further advance the UK’s excellence in automotive production.”

Aston Martin says it is developing alternatives to the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) as part of its blended powertrain approach. That strategy will see the introduction of plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles, the first of which, Valhalla, is planned to enter full production later this year before commencing delivery in 2025.