Sep 8 2007
Alcan announced that it is supplying Mercedes-Benz with an all-aluminum innovative Crash Management System for the car maker's new C-Class. Having made its debut in European dealerships, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first car model to use such an aluminum crash management system, featuring crash boxes inserted in the front structure of the car for improved safety. The bumper beam and crash boxes are produced at Alcan's Automotive Structures Europe plant in Gottmadingen, Germany.
"Alcan is very pleased that DaimlerChrysler has recognized the benefits of this innovative lightweight crash management system for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This is but one example of how Alcan can deliver sustainable high performance solutions to our customers while meeting high environmental standards," said Wolfgang Schmitz, President of Alcan Engineered and Automotive Solutions. "The aluminum crash management system demonstrates Alcan's ability to deliver weight and cost improvements without compromising safety and performance", Wolfgang Schmitz added.
Alcan's new lightweight solution will help contribute to the automotive industry's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. In Europe, every 100kg of reduced vehicle weight translates into a 6% reduction in CO2 emissions, or 9g/km.