Book excerpt: Aluminum is increasingly replacing steel in automotive applications due to its superior strength-to-weight ratio, equal or better stiffness and toughness properties, durability, and manufacturability considerations. Primer on Automotive Lightweighting Technologies introduces basic ideas and principles of designing and engineering automotive components with aluminum. Topics include application of the knowledge to understand how automotive body and structures are designed, as well as other major and smaller automotive components, such as engine blocks and their components, chassis systems, and wheels. Features Discusses material considerations in engineering design Describes mechanical and physical properties of aluminum Covers manufacturing methods and automotive and industrial applications of aluminum products Offers information on design for functional performance and cost optimization Includes coverage of extruded and rolled products and car body structure This practical book is aimed at professionals in the fields of materials and mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, and metals and alloys, as well as advanced students and researchers.