Automotive is a significant market for aluminum at 4.5 million metric tons globally, equating to about 10 billion pounds. This chart shows the global average content of aluminum per vehicle from 1975-1998. Note that these figures may seem low to you, since you are probably familiar with figures of around 250 lbs. per car. The difference is that the figures are global averages, whereas we are more used to speaking in terms of higher N.A. averages. In fact, North America leads aluminum usage on a per vehicle basis, primarily due to consumer preference for larger vehicles.
Japan is second, due primarily to greater power train use.
Fortunately, in North America we have an open market for aluminum which has led to the world's lowest cost and most innovative domestic aluminum industry.