Alcan to Supply Innovative Lightweight Components for the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class

06/09/2007 17:07



PR Newswire



PARIS, September 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcan announced today that it is supplying Mercedes-Benz with an all-aluminum innovative Crash Management System for the car maker's new C-Class. Having made its debut in European dealerships, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first car model to use such an aluminum crash management system, featuring crash boxes inserted in the front structure of the car for improved safety. The bumper beam and crash boxes are produced at Alcan's Automotive Structures Europe plant in Gottmadingen, Germany.

"Alcan is very pleased that DaimlerChrysler has recognized the benefits of this innovative lightweight crash management system for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This is but one example of how Alcan can deliver sustainable high performance solutions to our customers while meeting high environmental standards," said Wolfgang Schmitz, President of Alcan Engineered and Automotive Solutions. "The aluminum crash management system demonstrates Alcan's ability to deliver weight and cost improvements without compromising safety and performance", Wolfgang Schmitz added.

Alcan's new lightweight solution will help contribute to the automotive industry's efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. In Europe, every 100kg of reduced vehicle weight translates into a 6% reduction in CO2 emissions, or 9g/km.

Alcan Automotive Structures Europe is part of Alcan Engineered and Automotive Solutions (EAS), a global provider of innovative solutions to the automotive and transportation industries.

Alcan Inc. (NYSE: AL, TSX: AL) is a leading global materials company, delivering high quality products, engineered solutions and services worldwide. With world-class technology and operations in bauxite mining, alumina processing, primary metal smelting, power generation, aluminum fabrication, engineered solutions as well as flexible and specialty packaging today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and exceed its customers' needs. Alcan is represented by 68,000 employees, including its joint-ventures, in 61 countries and regions, posted revenues of US$23.6 billion in 2006. The Company has featured on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index. For more information, please visit: http://www.alcan.com.

%B NM %C 4,14,20 %D Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Media Contact: Chrystèle Ivins, Tél.: +33-1-57-00-24-18, chrystele.ivins@alcan.com, Anik Michaud, Tel.: +1-514-848-8151, media.relations@alcan.com; Investor Contact: Ulf Quellmann, Office: +1-514-848-8368, Investor.relations@alcan.com