CORUS MATERIALS EXPERTISE DELIVERS WEIGHT REDUCTION BENEFITS FOR LDV'S NEW MAXUS RANGE OF LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

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CORUS MATERIALS EXPERTISE DELIVERS WEIGHT REDUCTION BENEFITS FOR LDV'S NEW MAXUS RANGE OF LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
28 February 2005 - Corus

On sale from January 2005, the all-new LDV MAXUS is a class leading range of light commercial vehicles. LDV first approached Corus Strip Products UK in 2004 to undertake a number of studies to assist them to identify weight reduction and vehicle assembly improvements prior to the vehicle's launch. Uniquely, Corus has been able to offer LDV the support of its Automotive Engineering Group based in Coventry, which specialises in developing innovative vehicle engineering solutions using latest thinking in materials and manufacturing technologies.

The focus for Corus' support included a material selection study to optimise the use of Galvatite hot-dip galvanised steels throughout the body structure. This has allowed LDV to use the most cost-effective steel solutions whilst guaranteeing a high exterior surface finish and superior corrosion performance. In addition, Corus has undertaken gauge optimisation studies to help identify weight-saving opportunities whilst maintaining the vehicle's body stiffness and performance characteristics. The studies have resulted in a 15kg per vehicle weight saving whilst maintaining the robust body and chassis structural targets for MAXUS. No easy task as MAXUS is 20 per cent stiffer than the company's existing Convoy range.

Corus also provided on-site technical support during press trials to help optimise the press line. This ensured that all material specifications were correct and helped LDV to deliver high quality panel finish.

Nick Fell, design and engineering director LDV, said: 'Corus' expertise has helped us to optimise the design and improve our performance against target in many areas of the MAXUS project during its final development stages. We are now ramping up production and are confident that the all new MAXUS will compete with the best in the business.'

Keith Murray, business development manager Corus Strip Products UK, added: 'The LDV MAXUS project is just another example of how Corus can utilise its materials, vehicle engineering and manufacturing technology expertise to help meet the cost, lightweighting and performance challenges of our automotive customers.'

However, for Corus its support for LDV is not over. Mr Murray concludes: 'We are continuing to work closely with LDV to look at further refinements to the vehicle and have recently undertaken a joint value-engineering exercise with the light commercial vehicle specialist that has identified another potential 150 weight and assembly ideas, which are currently being assessed.'

http://www.corusgroup.com

About: Corus
Corus Group Plc is one of the world's largest metal producers with an annual turnover of £8 billion and major operating facilities in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway and Belgium. Corus' four divisions comprising Strip Products, Long Products, Distribution & Building Systems and Aluminium provide innovative solutions to the construction, automotive, packaging, mechanical engineering and other markets worldwide.

Corus has 48,500 employees in over 40 countries and sales offices and service centres worldwide. Combining international expertise with local customer service, the Corus brand represents quality and strength.

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