Straight replacement of metal parts inefficient, concludes lightweighting programme

Even lightweight metal suppliers like Novelis agree - cost-effective lightweighting for mass manufacturers will rely on several materials. Lightweight composites provide an opportunity for OEMs, but knowledge gaps and a lack of data mean that challenges remain when trying to maximise their efficacy. Whilst simply replacing a metal part with a composite can achieve weight savings, a failure to incorporate it into the initial design of a vehicle could mean resources are being wasted.