Today is National Metal Day, and we thought it would be fitting to shed some light on the way vehicles are manufactured and fabricated with metal. Check out our fun facts to learn more about what metals are used, how the industry has changed and evolved over the years, and how the materials used are shifting with the demand for alternative fuel vehicles. We think it’s pretty cool!
Fast Facts: Metals, Automotive Manufacturing, and Fabrication
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Automotive recycling accounts for 14 million tons of recycled steel, or the equivalent of more than 13 million cars.
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There were over 8 million vehicles manufactured in the US in 2020, and over 77 million total manufactured worldwide.
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In 1942, US manufacturing of automobiles came to a screeching halt so that metals and other materials could be diverted to military purposes and war efforts.
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On January 1st 1942, the US halted all sales and delivery of cars via the government’s Office of Production Management.
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All production stopped in February 1942 through October 1945.
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There were 520,000 vehicles available for the duration of the war and rationed for use by “essential drivers.”
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The automotive industry diverted its manufacturing and metal materials to create tanks, trucks, jeeps, airplanes, steel helmets, ammunition, bombs, and other goods for military use to aid war efforts.
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Commonly Used Metals in the Automotive industry include:
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Aluminum
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Iron
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Magnesium
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Steel
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Titanium
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Copper
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Lead
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Aluminum is the second most used metal in the automotive industry, and the fastest growing market for metal. In 1975, around 80-84 pounds of aluminum were used to make a vehicle, but that figure rose to over 460 pounds in 2020, with a projection of over 550 pounds being used by 2028!
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Metals such as Nickel, Aluminum, and Iron are expected to increase over 10x the current usage between 2019 and 2030.
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Metals like Lithium and Graphite are expected to increase in demand since they are used to make electric car batteries.
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Use of metals such as Nickel, Aluminum, and Iron are expected to increase over 10x the current usage between 2019 and 2030.
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The average passenger vehicle is 65% steel and iron, with 25% of the steel being made from recycled/reclaimed metal.
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Advanced High Strength Steel accounts for about 60% of the average vehicle.
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Hybrid and Electric Vehicles are expected to account for an increase in use of lightweight metals and materials to improve fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
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The market for automotive metals is projected to grow to $226 Billion by the end of 2026.
