Nissan announced that its Qashqai crossover SUV will be its first model built in Europe using lightweight aluminum panels, and will utilized a closed loop recycling system, improving the environmental and climate footprint of the new model.

Producing the hood, doors and front fenders from aluminum alloy will reduce vehicle weight by 60 kg, improving efficiency and help lower emissions. As the hoods and doors are stamped, the scrap material will be collected and returned to the supplier for recycling. According to Nissan, recycling scrap aluminum saves more than 90% of the energy needed to create a comparable amount from raw materials.

Vice President Manufacturing Alan Johnson of Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK, said:

“We continue to look for ways to make both our vehicles and our manufacturing process more sustainable. The use of lightweight aluminum in the new Qashqai is a great example.”

Aluminum rolling and recycling company Novelis announced that it will supply Nissan with lightweight aluminium body sheet for the new model, and create a closed loop recycling system for the company.

Michael Hahne, VP Automotive, Novelis Europe, said:

“We are delighted to provide Nissan with sustainable aluminium body sheet solutions as they continue to design lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles with reduced life-cycle emissions.”

Nissan stated that it is considering expanding the application of this process to future models and other factories.

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