In 2013, Audi took a major step in advancing its social responsibility by signing on to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI), a global standard for sustainability in aluminium production backed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Other major companies in both the automotive and wider aluminium industry, including Swiss coffee manufacturer Nespresso and Russian aluminium producer UC Rusal, have also signed on to the international initiative. The ASI commits Audi and other companies to use their weight and influence as major customers of the aluminium supply chain to ensure sustainability is being prioritized in both sourcing and production.
TRANSPORT
Audi Aluminium
German car manufacturer Audi may be known worldwide for its luxury automobiles, but few drivers are aware of the company's pioneering role in the aluminium revolution sweeping the automotive industry.
12 January, 2016
While many other companies have only recently begun switching to aluminium frames and bodies, valued for its lighter weight and greater fuel efficiency, Audi first premiered its "Space Frame" show car (with an unpainted body made out of polished aluminium) in 1993.
In 1994, Audi's signature A8 went into production for the first time with an aluminium body that weighed only 249 kilograms. In fact, the A8 was the first ever mass-market car to be sold with an aluminium chassis (the Space Frame) which Audi developed in partnership with American aluminium company Alcoa.
Since launching its trademark Audi Space Frame (ASF), the company has used it to build approximately 750,000 cars, all of which are around 40 percent lighter than they would have been had the frames been made of steel. Audi's current models include both the A8 sedan, which uses a purely aluminium chassis, as well as the two-door TT sports car, which uses a hybrid of aluminium combined with steel.
Since launching its trademark Audi Space Frame (ASF), the company has used it to build approximately 750,000 cars, all of which are around 40 percent lighter than they would have been had the frames been made of steel. Audi's current models include both the A8 sedan, which uses a purely aluminium chassis, as well as the two-door TT sports car, which uses a hybrid of aluminium combined with steel.
"The ASF bodies are a matrix of cast nodes and extruded sections; aluminum panels form the surfaces and reinforce the structure. The technology results in a high standard of body rigidity that is the benchmark for precision, sportiness and comfort. The lightweight bodies have started to reverse the upward spiral in weight – they make it possible to reduce the size and weight of many automotive components, and in many cases mean a smaller engine can deliver the same performance. This reduces the loads at work in the event of a collision, and Audi engineers can design even lighter bodies"
Gerard Bos, Head of Business and Biodiversity Programme, IUCN
Aluminium Stewardship Initiative
2017 Audi A4. Photos by Car and Driver.
The 2017 Audi A4, one of the company's newest offerings, continues in what is now a long tradition of aluminium use for the Germany company. Thanks to even greater use of aluminium in its body, the 2017 models are almost 265 lb (120 kg) lighter than the 2016 model. The 2017 A4 combines aluminium with steel and magnesium to achieve weight savings in the car's body, powertrain, steering system, and brake pedal.
Thanks in large part to its lightweight design, the A4 sedan only emits 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The A4 Avant, meanwhile, emits 114 grams per kilometer. As Audi's media center explains: "The new-generation Audi A4 and A4 Avant are a fascinating synthesis of technology and esthetics. All the technology in the brand's bestselling family has been redeveloped so that it yet again defines the benchmark in the segment. During the development work, high priority was placed on the reduction of CO2 emissions. All technologies were focused on reducing drive resistance."
Thanks in large part to its lightweight design, the A4 sedan only emits 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The A4 Avant, meanwhile, emits 114 grams per kilometer. As Audi's media center explains: "The new-generation Audi A4 and A4 Avant are a fascinating synthesis of technology and esthetics. All the technology in the brand's bestselling family has been redeveloped so that it yet again defines the benchmark in the segment. During the development work, high priority was placed on the reduction of CO2 emissions. All technologies were focused on reducing drive resistance."