Automotive boosts mag castings

By Staff -- Purchasing, 10/5/2000

Expanded use of magnesium die castings by automakers is helping to boost global demand for the light metal, according to Hydro Magnesium, which forecasts world use of 175,000 tonnes in 2005 as compared with 90,000 tonnes in 1999. Global demand for magnesium die castings was 25,000 tonnes in 1991. Hydro Magnesium says the average magnesium content per vehicle was 3.2 kg in the U.S. and 2.2 kg in Europe in 1999. By 2005, magnesium content in cars will increase again in both regions, but the rise will be more rapid in Europe-4.9 kg/vehicle in the U.S. and 5.5kg in Europe.