Lightweight engineering is indisputably one of the key technologies on which hinges the future of the automobile - whether the conventionally powered or, especially, the electrically powered types in the years ahead. In developing the vehicles of the future, the engineers responsible must increasingly take into account new and often controversial requirements. A classic conflict inherent in lightweight car-body engineering arises from the three competing goals of the magic triangle: weight reduction, functionality and production costs. It is becoming increasingly important to quickly identify innovations in technology and materials and to take these to concept and then series readiness

In this connection, modern multi-material concepts are moving centre-stage more and more. Irrespective of whether the design specifies an aluminium-steel hybrid or the integration of plastics, lightweight engineering is about finding the best material for each body part and the best position for it to function properly.

This is ideally accomplished with combinations of different materials, such as high-strength/ultra-high-strength steels, lightweight metals and plastics, and tailoring them precisely to production numbers and the associated body concept. Experts reckon that there are potential weight savings of 20% to 40% to be gained from this approach.