MERCEDES BENZ CHOOSES ALCAN’S ALUMINUM BUMPER SYSTEM

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MERCEDES BENZ CHOOSES ALCAN’S ALUMINUM BUMPER SYSTEM
20 September 2004 - Alcan Automotive

Alcan Inc will be supplying aluminum bumpers to Mercedes-Benz for its second-generation A-Class compact car, set to appear in European dealerships this fall. The bumpers will be produced at Alcan's dedicated automotive structures plant in Gottmadingen, Germany.

'I am very pleased that Mercedes Benz recognized Alcan's bumper system for the benefits it delivers to the A-Class on two fronts,' said Michel Jacques, president and CEO of Alcan Engineered Products. 'It improves crash energy management thanks to aluminum's superior energy absorption, and it improves vehicle performance by reducing weight.'

The bumper system is part of a package of safety improvements for the redesigned vehicle. As a result, Mercedes-Benz says the car offers a high level of passenger safety, considering its compact dimensions.

The system consists of an extruded aluminum beam attached to the vehicle structure by Alcan's patented 'crash boxes'. To meet the tight packaging requirements of the compact A-Class, the bumper beam is made of a low profile, twin-chambered aluminum extrusion. The innovative crash boxes attach directly to the vehicle structure without the need for mounting plates, further contributing to the low weight of this cost-effective solution.

The complete front bumper module, along with the headlamp mounts and the radiator support, forms a sturdy front-end assembly that can absorb all of the crash energy in collisions up to 15 km/h and protects the engine and longitudinal member against damage. The bumper system is bolted to the structure, making repair and replacement easier and quicker than with traditional welded assemblies. To improve pedestrian safety, Alcan also designed the bumper to incorporate a foam block that sits in front of the beam and reduces the risk of injury in very low-speed accidents.

http://www.alcanautomotive.com

About: Alcan Automotive
Alcan is a multinational company in aluminium and packaging, as well as aluminium recycling, with operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium as well as flexible and specialty packaging, aerospace applications, bauxite mining and alumina processing. Alcan employs 88,000 people and has operating facilities in 58 countries and regions.

The merger of Alcan Inc. with Alusuisse Group Ltd. has created a materials company that offers global market coverage and advanced technology solutions in aluminium and other lightweight materials. Alcan has become a leader in the significant growth taking place for aluminium in the automotive sector as manufacturers strive to produce safer, lighter, affordable vehicles.

The organisation currently represents a US$13 billion global enterprise with strong anticipated growth in our automotive businesses, operating under the banner of Alcan Automotive.

A global R&D network, with technology centres located in key markets around the world, combined with an extensive network of aluminium smelters and manufacturing facilities, provides the automobile industry with complete solutions, from materials delivery to design and manufacture of quality vehicle components and modules.

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