Mar 7 2007
Novelis Inc. today announced that it has been selected as the lead supplier of aluminum sheet for the new Audi R8 sports car, produced at Audi's Neckarsulm plant in Germany.
Novelis' high-performance automotive sheet will be an integral part of Audi's "intelligent lightweight construction technology," which is deployed in this new model as well as the A8 sedan and TT roadster and coupe. Novelis material will be used in the hood, roof, fenders, doors and some internal components of the racing-inspired R8. Novelis also provides aluminum sheet for applications on the Audi Q7 SUV and all A6 models.
"The R8, which will be in the showroom this spring, uses technology ahead of its time to deliver supreme lightweight performance," said Heinrich Timm, Head of Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Centre. "Novelis has the technological know-how and flexible manufacturing system needed to meet our exacting requirements for this exciting new car."
"Novelis is delighted to be selected as the main supplier of aluminum sheet for this stunning vehicle," said Erwin Mayr, president of the Automotive, Painted and Specialities business unit for Novelis Europe. "We partnered with Audi to customize our materials for the R8, supplying laser-cut shapes as well as rectangular sheet from our specially-equipped automotive sheet production facilities in Nachterstedt, Germany, and Sierre, Switzerland."
The ability to offer a dual-sourcing route is a key feature of Novelis' European automotive production system. Both the Sierre and Nachterstedt plants are equipped with specialized heat- and surface-treatment lines as well as high-speed laser cutting systems for the production of customer-specific automotive stamping blanks. Novelis also produces automotive sheet in North America and is the only company capable of producing this demanding material on both continents.