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Chrysler to cut body weight by 13%

DETROIT - Using advances in high-strength steels and new design techniques, Chrysler LLC expects to improve fuel efficiency by reducing vehicle body structure weight by 13% over the next three to six years, a company executive said Wednesday, according to the Detroit Free Press.

The reduced weight -- 120 pounds from the vehicle's skeleton -- should improve fuel efficiency by 1%, said Bill Grabowski, Chrysler's director of body core engineering.

The method also will improve vehicle safety by strengthening its structure, the company said.

The move comes as Chrysler takes other steps to improve fuel efficiency, such as investing $3 billion in more efficient engines, axles and transmissions.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 11:02 AM to Chrysler | Permalink

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