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ALCAN ALUMINUM HELPS LIGHTEN THE LOAD ON 2003 FORD EXPEDITION AND NAVIGATOR
27 June 2002 - Alcan Automotive
| Ford Motor Company’s redesigned Expedition and Lincoln Navigator sport utility vehicles feature the automaker’s first aluminum liftgate produced in North America. The full-size SUVs take advantage of aluminum’s light weight to offer a rear liftgate that weighs nearly 40% less than a conventional steel product, making it easier to raise and lower.
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Ford began shipping the 2003 Expeditions and Navigators in May from its Michigan Truck Assembly plant in Wayne, Mich. The liftgate was developed by Ford in partnership with Alcan Automotive, a leading supplier of aluminum automotive products and technology, based in Farmington Hills, Mich. Alcan has been awarded the supply contract for aluminum stamping blanks. From concept through launch, Alcan was an integral partner to Ford on the liftgate project, participating in both the engineering and manufacturing teams. The liftgate features a multi-alloy design, engineered to meet Ford’s requirements for cost efficiency, formability, dent resistance and structural strength. The liftgate is produced at Ford’s Woodhaven facility, south of Detroit. The finished assembly weighs approximately 29 pounds, about 18 pounds less than a conventional liftgate. The reduced weight allows Ford to use lighter and less-costly gas struts, which provides secondary weight savings, and helps the vehicles to achieve their targeted weight class.
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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