Driving Toward Greener Autos

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an edited version of a story from NAPSI.

If you're like most Americans, you have a number of objectives when thinking about a new car. Safety and fuel economy are probably at the top of the list, not to mention price.

There is, however, a new concern growing in importance: the environmental "footprint" of the vehicle. In response, carmakers are learning that by making vehicles lighter--without making them smaller--they can deliver on all of these fronts.

Enter aluminum. Automotive aluminum is lightweight to help increase gas mileage. In fact, a 5-to-7 percent fuel savings can be realized for every 10 percent weight reduction by substituting aluminum for heavier steel.

To curb greenhouse gas emissions, each pound of aluminum replacing two pounds of iron or steel in a car or truck can save 20 pounds of CO2 equivalent emissions over the typical life of a vehicle.

Automotive aluminum is also highly recyclable, which significantly saves on the emissions associated with primary aluminum production. Nearly 90 percent of automotive aluminum is recovered and recycled and never needs to be taken to the landfill.

Automotive aluminum helps create a vehicle that is both big and safe. Studies confirm that size, not weight, is more important for automotive safety. To learn more about auto aluminum and sustainability, visit the Aluminum Association's Aluminum Transportation Group at www.autoaluminum.org.