Alcoa Provides Structural Design and Engineering for GM's Sequel
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NEW YORK-Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that it contributed structural design, engineering and manufacturing expertise, fabricated more than 300 aluminum structural components and built the bodies-in-white for the Chevrolet Sequel ... the automobile that General Motors believes is the most technologically-advanced ever built.
"To be a member of an advanced technology team that GM feels has changed the DNA of today's vehicles is an honor," according to Misha Riveros-Jacobson, president of Alcoa Auto and Truck Structures. "Our participation speaks to the pivotal contributions that high-strength, light-weight aluminum structures make to sustainable transportation when effectively integrated with advanced propulsion, drive train and information technologies."
Working with GM, Alcoa supplied highly-engineered aluminum sheet for stampings, high-integrity castings and complex, multi-hollow extrusions for the Sequel's body-in-white and chassis structures. The company provided specially-formulated aluminum sheet for GM's quick plastic forming process as well as large blanks for the Sequel's outer body panels. In addition, Alcoa supplied cast front and rear sub-frames for the alternately-fueled Chevrolet as well as its hydrogen fuel carrier system and a unique, front-end crash energy management module.
In support of Sequel assembly, Alcoa provided expertise on performance-critical welding, self-piercing and blind rivets and adhesive bonding. Drawing upon more than two decades of space frame experience, Alcoa also managed component design and body assembly dimensional objectives related to GM's standards for quality, fit, function and finish.
"There is no doubt that a key element of GM's remarkable progress in extending the range and acceleration of their fuel-cell propulsion system was mass reduction achieved though intelligent application of Alcoa's advanced aluminum structures," concluded Ms. Riveros-Jacobson. "The Sequel proves that GM is well on the way to creating cleaner, more energy-efficient vehicles and that advanced materials, in general, and aluminum, in specific, must play a significant role in achieving sustainable transportation for the world's citizens."
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 123,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com
