Jun 15 2005
Alcoa announced today that its Alcoa Fastening Systems (AFS) business is sponsoring the production of a next-generation solar vehicle at the University of Michigan (UM) for the North American Solar Challenge, a special edition competition to design, build and race solar-powered cars from the United States into Canada.
Dozens of AFS associates around the world have provided their time and expertise to help the UM students manufacture a solar car with an exciting, lightweight and aerodynamic design. AFS has contributed more than 130 varieties of thousands of fasteners representing the latest in fastening system technologies to Momentum, the solar car designed by UM students. The specially selected AFS products increase the strength and durability of the vehicle while reducing its weight and assembly time.
"The Alcoa fasteners provide Momentum with a lightweight, yet safe solution to our production needs," said Michael J. Brackney, project manager. "The innovative design of the fasteners also has significantly cut down our maintenance time."
The partnership enables AFS to invest in the study of renewable energy technologies, environmental consciousness and educational excellence in tomorrow's workforce.
"Alcoa Fastening Systems is proud to collaborate with the University of Michigan to promote a greater understanding of solar energy technology and its environmental benefits," said Olivier Jarrault, president. "This partnership enables Alcoa to help prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists as this competition demands creatively integrating expertise from various disciplines in order to compete."
The UM Solar Car Team qualified for the North American Solar Challenge during the Formula Sun Grand Prix held at Heartland Park Raceway in Topeka, Kansas, USA. The UM team will now advance to the North American Solar Challenge scheduled for July 17-28 as more than 40 teams race from Austin, Texas to Calgary, Alberta using solar energy technology to power their vehicles.
The UM team has won three national championships and has placed third twice in the World Solar Challenge. Placing in the North American Solar Challenge in July will enable Team Momentum to compete in the World Solar Challenge held in Australia in September.
To read more about the North American Solar Challenge, visit http://www.americansolarchallenge.org.
http://www.alcoa.com
Posted15th June 2005