The growing use of lightweight materials for the development of new energy vehicles is driving demand for aluminium alloy in China and around the world. At the last Auto China show alone, leading brands showcased 174 new energy models and it is predicted that by 2020, the number of new energy vehicles in China will reach 2 million. This rapid growth in both production and sales is underpinned by government policies and high market demand.

Aluminium China 2018 in Shanghai, from 11-13 July, will offer a major international platform for the growing range of new lightweight materials and production solutions. In particular, the event will highlight the vital role of aluminium in the future of the new energy automotive industry.

Aluminum China highlights solutions for new energy automotive industry

32 new energy auto-related policies were launched in China in 2017 and the policy of tax rebates for consumers who buy new energy vehicles is to be extended for another three years. Furthermore, China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ strategy puts new energy vehicles at the center of its vision of the future, committing to, “support electric and fuel cell automobile development; encourage low carbon emission technologies and smart auto technologies.”

Lightweight design, together with electrical drive engineering and smart technologies will define the new energy auto industry in the next ten years. With car plate-based traffic control and compensation policies in place, indigenous auto manufacturers currently account for over 90% of China’s new energy auto market. CPCA (China Passenger Car Association) statistics show that top new energy brands, in terms of sales, in China include BYD, ZD, BAIC New Energy, Chery New Energy, and SAIC Rowe, while bus manufacturers are also joining the new energy wave.

“A rise in the use of aluminium for new energy automobiles is promoting lightweight design trends and accelerating industry growth,” said Chris Zang, project manager of Aluminium China. “In the future, aluminium will be used increasingly for vehicle bodies, doors, trunks, hoods, bumpers, heat exchange, chassis, power batteries, motor parts and other parts and components. Backed by in-depth market research designed to understand new energy auto needs, Aluminium China 2018 will help businesses expand into these exciting new markets.”

This year’s event will feature side-events such as a ‘Get to Know Automotive Manufacturers’ program, an Auto Buyers’ Exchange Day, and a Thai Market Themed Conference. By connecting demand and supply, Aluminium China will correct the current market information imbalance and provide a robust trading platform for exhibitors and buyers.

Collocated with Aluminium China this year will be Lightweight Asia 2018, which provides more diverse material and solutions for the new energy auto industry.