Platinum, Gold, Aluminum?

Aluminum still faces an uphill battle, even in an era of $3-per-gallon gas.

Drew Winter, Contributing Editor

August 9, 2006

1 Min Read
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John Mendel

TRAVERSE CITY, MI – Aluminum suppliers hoping to take advantage of concern over rising fuel prices got some harsh criticism here from John Mendel, senior vice president-automobile operations, American Honda Motor Co. Inc., during a Wednesday afternoon panel discussion at the Management Briefing Seminars.

“I never thought I’d see the day when aluminum was considered a precious metal, based on today’s prices,” he quipped.

Aluminum has been phased out of numerous North American vehicle programs – or never considered – at both Detroit-based and foreign-owned auto makers in recent years because of its high price, OEMs complain.

Mendel’s comments suggest the light metal still faces an uphill battle, even in an era of $3-per-gallon gas.

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About the Author

Drew Winter

Contributing Editor, WardsAuto

Drew Winter is a former longtime editor and analyst for Wards. He writes about a wide range of topics including emerging cockpit technology, new materials and supply chain business strategies. He also serves as a judge in both the Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards and the Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX awards and as a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards.

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