Atlanta’s rolled and recycled aluminium firm Novelis Inc. revealed yesterday that the firm will be supplying aluminium for use in the manufacture of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL).
The company said in a press release that FCA US LLC has contracted with the firm to provide aluminium for the production of a variety of parts, including parts of the doors, fenders, swing gate, and windshield surround, which will be sourced from Novelis’ facilities in Oswego, New York and Kingston, Ontario.
As a result of extensive use of aluminium throughout the current model year’s units, Novelis says this year’s model is lighter by 200 pounds. FCA US indicates that the weight savings is expected to translate into an improvement in fuel efficiency of 3 miles per gallon.
Marco Palmieri, SVP and President, Novelis North America, lauds the partnership with FCA US as an example of his firm’s ability to adapt to its clients’ ever-changing needs.
“Novelis is proud to offer our unrivaled production capabilities and extensive technical expertise to one of the world’s most iconic vehicles. We work alongside our customers from program development to launch to meet the industry’s evolving needs.”
In addition to fuel savings, Novelis points out that the use of aluminium has more immediate and tangible improvements for Jeep enthusiasts – by including aluminium in the Wrangler’s removable doors, the part became lighter by 14 pounds.
Ganesh Panneer, Novelis North America’s Vice President and General Manager, Automotive, points out the versatility and affordability of aluminium, noting the advantages its use gives automakers seeking to produce lighter vehicles.
“Novelis aluminum offers a safe, sustainable and cost-effective way to lightweight vehicles. Automotive aluminum applications result in better performance and agility, increased fuel economy and reduced carbon emissions.”
Novelis is a subsidiary of Mumbai’s Hindalco Industries Ltd. Based in Atlanta, the firm accounts for almost half of Hindalco’s consolidated revenue. The world’s largest recycler of aluminium, Novelis conducts operations in ten different countries, employs around eleven thousand people, and reported US$10 billion in revenue for the most recent fiscal year.