ATLANTA, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Novelis, the world's
largest producer of rolled aluminum and the world's leading
supplier of aluminum sheet to the automotive market, announced
today that its material is featured extensively in the newly
launched 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL. The latest-generation model marks
the first full-production vehicle from Mercedes with a structure
designed in aluminum.
(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120521/CL10753-a)
(Photo:
http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120521/CL10753-b)
The new all-aluminum body reduces the weight of the vehicle by
approximately 140 kilograms (300 pounds) and provides improved fuel
economy and driving performance. Novelis aluminum is used in the
doors, hood, and various structural applications including the
transmission tunnel, for which Novelis supplies a new three-piece
tailored welded blank. Early collaboration between Novelis and
Mercedes-Benz resulted in the use of Novelis' new alloy,
Anticorodal®-300 (Ac-300) to develop this innovative piece, which
is joined by friction stir welding. The new alloy, which is also
used in other structural applications, provides enhanced crash
safety and strength.
"Ac-300 was developed specifically for use in automotive
structural applications," explained Roland
Harings, Vice President, Global Automotive for Novelis. "As
Novelis continues to expand its activities in the global automotive
market, working closely with our customers to match their needs is
essential. We are proud to continue our long standing partnership
with Mercedes as a key supplier for the new aluminum Mercedes-Benz
SL."
The Mercedes SL was first created in 1952, with SL meaning
Super-Light. Since then, the company has continually looked for
ways to reduce the weight of the vehicle. The 2012 model is the
lightest ever produced. Novelis is also a supplier of aluminum
sheet for nine other Mercedes models.
"The Mercedes SL aluminum body structure weighs a mere 254
kilograms (560 pounds) and is being considered as a replacement for
steel in every discipline," said Dr. Thomas
Rudlaff, Aluminum Body-in-White Manager for Mercedes-Benz.
"Aluminum provides a more dynamic driving performance and lower
fuel consumption creating measurable results for our
customers."
The new generation SL made its public debut in January 2012 at the Detroit Motor Show. It is now
being produced in Sindelfingen, Germany and sold at Mercedes-Benz outlets and
dealerships throughout Europe.
Later this year, the vehicle will also be available in U.S.
showrooms.
About Novelis
Novelis Inc. is the global leader in aluminum rolled
products and aluminum can recycling. The company operates in 11
countries, has nearly 11,000 employees and reported revenue of
$10.6 billion in fiscal year 2011.
Novelis supplies premium aluminum sheet and foil products to
automotive, transportation, packaging, construction, industrial,
electronics and printing markets throughout North America, Europe, Asia
and South America. Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco
Industries Limited (BSE: HINDALCO), one of Asia's largest integrated producers of
aluminum and a leading copper producer. Hindalco is a
flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group, a multinational
conglomerate based in Mumbai,
India. For more information, visit
www.novelis.com and follow us on Twitter at
twitter.com/Novelis.
SOURCE Novelis Inc.
