General Motors is working diligently to pioneer a new system
of manufacturing sheet metal that is already used in lightweight cars. This new
processing procedure will increase the durability of sheet metal without
sacrificing weight benefits. GM’s goal for this new processing procedure will
be to provide lightweight magnesium sheet metal to consumers in mass
quantities.
GM currently has programs that are developing electric
powertrain, developing of more efficient engines, and creating industry
breakthroughs like the eAssist. Now the new magnesium sheet metal can help
consumers save on gas without sacrificing the essentials of stronger materials.
The new sheet metal weighs 75 percent less than the traditional steel used in
most cars. That translates to direct savings at the pump. You can see these new
features now at the Liberty Buick Dealership on East Independence in Charlotte
NC.
One of the main issues with producing a sheet metal this
light with this level of strength has been corrosion. This material has been
created before, but previous versions of the metal have corroded at a
significantly higher rate that prohibited use in the manufacture of vehicles.
The new innovative processing technique from GM erases the corrosion issue, and
makes the material safe for use in vehicles.
With the new processing system, General Motors will be
releasing new vehicles in the future that are designed with magnesium sheet
metal in the structure. General Motors also expects to be able to use the
magnesium sheet metal in other parts of the vehicle as they continue to refine
the processing system to create the strongest lightweight sheet metal possible.
“This innovative use of magnesium is just one example of how
GM is leveraging breakthrough technologies that will benefit our customers
around the globe,” said Jon Lauckner, GM chief technology officer and vice
president of Global Research & Development. “Using high-strength
lightweight materials such as magnesium and aluminum is one of the most
effective ways to improve vehicle fuel economy and driving performance.”
Greg Warden, the executive director for global vehicle body
engineering at GM, also weighed in on the new technologies that are being
developed. “Every gram of weight reduction matters when it comes to improving
fuel economy. Being able to replace heavier metals with one of the lightest
will help us deliver better fuel economy to customers around the world while
also still providing the safety and durability they expect.”
If you’re interested in a reliable vehicle that can save you
money at the pump, please check us out Liberty Buick GMC Trucks at www.clickliberty.com or give us a call
at 704-321-4366 to learn all about the great vehicles Liberty offers everyday.
