Constellium and Renault Group Conclude R&D Project Advancing Aluminium Solutions for Lighter Vehicles and Closed-Loop Recycling

Rhea-AI Summary

Constellium (NYSE: CSTM) has successfully completed the 'ISA3' R&D project with Renault Group and other partners, focusing on automotive lightweighting solutions. The project's key achievement is a new lightweight aluminium door that achieves a 14% weight reduction compared to current aluminium doors in compact electric vehicles.

The innovative design, using Constellium's proprietary uni-alloy 6xxx solutions, delivers a 33% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP). The single-alloy approach enables efficient closed-loop recycling throughout the door's lifecycle. The project, supported by France Relance investment program, also identified more efficient production processes while optimizing costs and performance.

Positive

• 14% weight reduction achieved in new aluminium door design
• 33% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP)
• Streamlined closed-loop recycling through uni-alloy design
• Enhanced production efficiency and cost optimization

Negative

• None.

PARIS, Dec. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellium SE (NYSE: CSTM) announced today the successful conclusion of the “ISA3” R&D project, initiated in 2021 to enhance lightweighting in automotive design. Conducted in partnership with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine, and supported by a grant from the France Relance investment program, the project has set a benchmark for designing next-generation aluminium automotive components that are lightweight, cost-efficient, and recyclable.

A major milestone of the project is a lightweight aluminium door, co-developed with Renault, using Constellium’s proprietary uni-alloy 6xxx rolled and extrusion-based solutions. This innovative design achieves a 14% weight reduction compared to a current aluminium door used in compact battery electric vehicles. By employing a single alloy series, the design streamlines closed-loop recycling throughout the door’s lifecycle, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The new door solution delivers a 33% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP), underscoring the project’s focus on sustainable innovation. Additionally, the project identified more efficient, flexible production processes, while enhancing performance and optimizing costs.

“We are proud of the results of Project ISA3, which highlight Constellium’s dedication to providing sustainable, high-performance solutions for the automotive market,” said Ludovic Piquier, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Excellence and Chief Technical Officer. “The innovations achieved through this collaboration demonstrate aluminium’s transformative potential to support the decarbonization of the automotive industry, while delivering cost benefits.”

Patrice Belliard, Expert in Flat Products at Renault Group, remarked: “Project ISA3 has been instrumental in demonstrating how aluminium solutions can contribute to achieving both weight and cost reductions in automotive manufacturing. This project reinforces our commitment to integrating lightweight, sustainable materials into our vehicle designs.”

Mathilde Chabin, Manufacturing Product Director at ESI Group, added: “Leveraging ESI Group’s expertise, Project ISA3 relied on advanced pre-certification and validation technologies, enabling the development and manufacturing of aluminium doors without the need for physical prototypes. This approach has accelerated innovation while reducing costs and environmental impact.”

Constellium is a full-service supplier of rolled and extrusion-based aluminium solutions for the global automotive market. We help automakers produce lighter, safer, and more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as electric vehicles with greater range.

Renault Group is supplied by Constellium’s ASI-certified facilities in Neuf-Brisach, France and in Nuits-Saint-Georges, France.

About Constellium

Constellium (NYSE: CSTM) is a global sector leader that develops innovative, value-added aluminium products for a broad scope of markets and applications, including aerospace, automotive and packaging. Constellium generated €7.2 billion of revenue in 2023.
www.constellium.com

Media Contacts
Investor Relations	Communications
Jason Hershiser	Delphine Dahan-Kocher
Phone: +1 443 988 0600	Phone: +1 443 420 7860
investor-relations@constellium.com	delphine.dahan-kocher@constellium.com

FAQ

What weight reduction did Constellium (CSTM) achieve in their new aluminium door design?

Constellium achieved a 14% weight reduction compared to current aluminium doors used in compact battery electric vehicles.

How much did the ISA3 project reduce Global Warming Potential (GWP) for CSTM's aluminium door?

The new door solution achieved a 33% reduction in Global Warming Potential (GWP).

What is the significance of Constellium's uni-alloy 6xxx solution in the ISA3 project?

The uni-alloy 6xxx solution enables streamlined closed-loop recycling throughout the door's lifecycle, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

When did Constellium (CSTM) initiate the ISA3 R&D project with Renault Group?

The ISA3 R&D project was initiated in 2021.

Which partners collaborated with Constellium on the ISA3 project?

The project was conducted in partnership with Renault Group, ESI Group, the Institut de Soudure (Welding Institute), and the University of Lorraine.