Lightweighing of primary components allows secondary economies through weight reduction of engine and drive train components, brakes and suspension system. Lightweighing appears to be more readily achievable than development of innovative engine technologies. A wide range of properties can be engineered for automotive applications through choice of alloy, hardness and strength, and fabrication process. Light weight, heavier gauge, and strength characteristics stiffen the frame to improve car ride, handling, and safety. Process costs may be lower than those of steel, and design flexibility is high.
Corrosion resistance allows use where methanol-based fuels corrode steel.
19 Many spaceframe designs use adhesive bonding with welding to mitigate fatigue cracking. Weld-bonded aluminum structures generally perform at an equivalent level in frontal, rollover, and side intrusion crashes. Spaceframe's crashworthiness is 20 percent greater than a stamped aluminum frame. Price stability may be enhanced through use of hedge and options purchases, and risk sharing arrangements. The three major automakers established their Vehicle Recycling Partnership consortium in November 1991, and are changing designs and materials-sourcing patterns to enhance vehicle recycling.