ALCAN WINS INDUSTRYWEEK TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AWARD

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ALCAN WINS INDUSTRYWEEK TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION AWARD
14 November 2003 - Alcan Automotive

As part of its 11th Annual Technology and Innovation Awards Program, the editors of the leading manufacturing management magazine, INDUSTRYWEEK, have selected Alcan’s Aluminum Vehicle Technology as one of the Technologies of the Year for 2003.

'The increasing use of aluminum in auto manufacturing improves fuel efficiency, durability and overall performance, so we’re thrilled that INDUSTRYWEEK has recognized the Aluminum Vehicle Technology,” said Travis Engen, President and CEO of Alcan Inc. “AVT technology has made aluminum an even more attractive proposition by developing an entire process for aluminum manufacturing using existing assembly systems.”

Alcan’s Aluminum Vehicle Technology (AVT) enables the production of a sheet-based aluminum structure, similar in principle to a conventional stamped structure, but much lighter and stiffer. Vehicles built with AVT deliver higher performance, greater fuel economy and reduced emissions – without the need to compromise on size or safety.

Key to the AVT technology is a joining system that combines adhesive bonding with spot welds and/or mechanical fasteners to achieve a continuous joint between selected body sections. This improves torsion and bending stiffness, structural integrity and joint fatigue performance. Working with Alcan, Jaguar introduced the AVT system on the first commercially produced, all-aluminum unibody vehicle, the new Jaguar XJ.

Thanks to the AVT architecture, the new XJ body is 60 per cent stiffer, yet 40 per cent lighter than its predecessor, which translates into superior performance and handling agility together with excellent fuel economy ratings and CO2 emissions. The XJ is also one of the safest vehicles in its class.

Patricia Panchak, editor-in-chief, explains that in selecting the award winners, the editors of INDUSTRYWEEK solicit reader nominations for a judging process designed to recognize outstanding achievement in technology. To be eligible, candidate technologies must relate in a significant way to accomplishments and achievements in the current year. For more information on the award, visit www.industryweek.com.

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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