VW COCKPIT BEAMS FROM ALCAN FOR MPV 359 PLATFORM

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VW COCKPIT BEAMS FROM ALCAN FOR MPV 359 PLATFORM
22 November 2004 - Alcan Automotive

Alcan is to supply cockpit carrier modules for Volkswagen's MPV 359 platform. The VW contract requirements, for both current and future model cockpit carriers, will be satisfied at Alcan's dedicated automotive structure plant in Gottmadingen.

Alcan is to supply cockpit carrier modules for Volkswagen's MPV 359 platform. The VW contract requirements, for both current and future model cockpit
carriers, will be satisfied at Alcan's dedicated automotive structure plant in Gottmadingen.

“The new instrument panel cross member is further proof of Alcan’s innovative development in both product design and manufacturing,” said Urs Fischer, President
Alcan Automotive Structures. “This multifunctional platform is the optimal solution for several Volkswagen Group vehicles,” he added.

In order to supply VW’s Golf Plus and Seat Altea models, the construction of a new welding facility was begun in January 2004 and completed on time. The new instrument panel support is another development of the module carrier for the PQ24 platform (VW Polo, Seat Ibiza, and Skoda Fabia). Further innovations of the MPV 359 project include higher stiffness and enhanced resonance frequency, and an ongoing process of weight optimisation - achieved by deploying different wall thicknesses on the driver and front-seat passenger sides.

A number of new product launches are characterising activities at Alcan Automotive’s Gottmadingen site. In addition to serving as a centre for crash management expertise, the plant produces cockpit module carriers in a number of highly automated processes.

The plant celebrated the production of its 2.5 millionth module carrier for the PQ24 platform at the end of 2003. Previously, the plant employed two highly automated and inter-linked systems for the production of module carriers for both left- and right-hand drive models for the Skoda Fabia, Seat Ibiza and VW Polo brands.

Since opening in 1999, Alcan's Gottmadingen site has enjoyed rapid expansion. In 2003, Alcan produced over two million bumper systems, six million side-impact beams, and more than one million instrument panel supports.

Customers served from Gottmadingen include Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Jaguar, Opel, and PSA.

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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