Industry associations respond to fuel economy standards report

Two industry trade groups have responded to the Technical Assessment Report (TAR) draft released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTS) and California’s Air Resources Board (CARB). The report—the first step in the midterm evaluation of fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions regulations—examines a wide range of technology factors relevant to the 2022-2025 model year standards.

The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), Washington, and The Aluminum Association, Arlington, Virginia, say as automakers look for solutions to reduce vehicle mass and increase fuel economy, material selection is an important factor.

SMDI says advance high-strength steels meet these requirements with the lowest emissions impact as noted in the recently released Importance of the Production Phase in Vehicle Life Cycle GHG Emissions white paper.

The Aluminum Association says aluminum use in cars and trucks continues to rise on top of 40 years of consistent growth, which is projected to reach average content levels of 500 pounds per vehicle by 2025 (up from approximately 390 pounds in 2015). The group adds that the breakthrough aluminum-bodied Ford F-150 proves aluminum can thrive in mass market applications. In the pickup truck category, F-150 leads in safety (5-Stars from NHTSA, over the 4-Star-rated steel-bodied truck it replaced), best-in-class fuel economy for gasoline powered trucks, and continues to be a sales leader, according to the association.

Tom Boney, chairman of The Aluminum Association’s Aluminum Transportation Group (ATG) and vice president and general manager, automotive value stream, Novelis North America, Atlanta, says, “Based upon a preliminary review, we are pleased the Technical Assessment Report recognizes the benefits of reducing vehicle weight by increasing the use of high-strength, lightweight materials like aluminum to boost fuel economy and reduce carbon emissions.”

Boney continues, “Mass reduction with automotive aluminum plays a critical role in helping automakers drive forward the next generation of vehicles. As automakers develop mobility solutions to meet the needs of a fast-changing word, the aluminum industry is supporting their efforts by developing advanced alloys that are stronger, more formable and manufactured with sustainability, efficiency and value in mind.”

SMDI President Lawrence W. Kavanagh says, “As noted in today’s report, mass reduction is an important contributor to fuel economy and we continue to work with automakers on solutions utilizing advance high-strength steels (AHSS). The mass reduction and overall value delivered with these advanced steel grades are why they are the fastest growing class of automotive material.”

Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market for SMDI, says, “The North American steel industry collaborates with automakers to ensure the development of new, advanced steel technologies will significantly contribute to meeting fuel economy requirements. In addition to reducing tailpipe emissions, steel’s lower material production emissions compared to alternative materials could provide further reductions from the transportation sector.”

The Aluminum Association’s Boney adds, “We applaud the agencies for their rigor and foresight in building in a Midterm Evaluation of the previously agreed-upon 2022-2025 fuel economy and emissions standards. By revisiting original assumptions and current deployment of available technologies, including advanced materials like aluminum, this comprehensive Technical Assessment Report is a vital component to fact-based decision making. We will continue to evaluate the details of the report and look forward to offering more specific comments as may be appropriate as the process moves ahead.”

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.

SMDI says it increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets.

The Aluminum Association represents U.S. and foreign-based companies and their suppliers throughout the value chain, from primary production to value-added products to recycling. The association is the industry’s leading voice, providing global standards, business intelligence, sustainability research and industry expertise to member companies, policymakers and the general public. The aluminum industry helps manufacturers produce sustainable and innovative products, including more fuel-efficient vehicles, recyclable packaging, greener buildings and modern electronics.