ALCAN TO DOUBLE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS BY 2005 — NEW STRATEGY WILL GENERATE REVENUES IN EXCESS OF $ 1 BILLION

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ALCAN TO DOUBLE AUTOMOTIVE BUSINESS BY 2005 — NEW STRATEGY WILL GENERATE REVENUES IN EXCESS OF $ 1 BILLION
15 November 2001 - Alcan Automotive

Alcan Automotive has announced its new automotive strategy focusing on global growth with key customers in key markets for lightweight automotive materials and solutions. The new strategy is a result of the merger in October 2000 of Alcan’s and Alusuisse’s complementary automotive competencies strengthening the Group’s number one position in aluminium lightweight construction.

Speaking today at an international press conference in Zurich, the President of Alcan Automotive, Kurt Wolfensberger, said the Group expects automotive revenues in 2001 in the order of $ 500 million. He estimates that Alcan Automotive will be able to generate a turnover exceeding $ 1 billion by 2005.

Mr. Wolfensberger emphasized the global perspectives of the automotive business, and Alcan’s determination to maintain and expand its leading market position. Alcan Automotive would now be moving from a period of business development to a strategy of value maximization through profitable growth in four selected business areas: primary ingot products, engineered shaped products, high-strength sheet products and vehicle structures.

”We will concentrate on key customers in Europe and the United States and attractive market segments that have high growth rates and where our expertise, technology and assets provide real competitive advantage”, said Kurt Wolfensberger. ” Alcan Automotive wants to become the partner of choice of key customers such as Ford, GM, Daimler-Chrysler and Audi, providing them with solutions that enhance the brand values and vehicle standards of performance and safety sought by consumers.”

Annual demand for aluminium in cars and light trucks is expected to grow by more than 80 percent from 5.8 to 10.5 million metric tons by 2010 based on a two percent average annual increase in global vehicle production. By the end of the decade aluminium will achieve market penetration rates of 50 percent or more for engine blocks, 25 percent for body panels and 20 percent for chassis and suspension parts. Due to aluminium’s lightweighting potential, its outstanding fabricating characteristics and its unique recycling capabilities, transportation is the largest and fastest growing segment of the aluminium market with light vehicles accounting for more than two thirds of the sector.

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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