Hydro has been asked to deliver the front crash management systems for one of Audi's future high-volume models, underlining the company's position as the leading global supplier of lightweight crash management components.
A4: Hydro supplies the front crash management system for Audi's A4, which won raves at IAA 2007 in Frankfurt.
The order also confirms the German carmaker's confidence in Hydro as its preferred supplier of extruded aluminium-based crash management components. Including the new order, Hydro will be producing about 60 percent of the bumper beams in Audi's fleet of models.
The order covers delivery of the front systems for both the European and the North American versions of the future model. Expected volume is about 250,000 systems per year.
Hydro will produce the bumper beams at its automotive structures plant in Norway. The aluminium profiles used for the crash boxes, as well as the other extruded components for the impact management systems, will also come from the Raufoss site.
These components will be assembled into complete systems at Hydro's facility in the Czech Republic, which is under construction, then delivered to Audi assembly plants in Germany and Hungary.
Long-term and reliable supplier
Hydro already delivers extruded aluminium crash management components for most of Audi's range of light vehicles. This group includes the A4, A6, A8, the sporty TT model, and the Q5 and Q7 utility vehicles.
"We know Audi well, having served as a long-term supplier with a strong customer relationship, but each car represents a new challenge for us," says Salvador Biosca, who is responsible for Hydro's automotive activities.
"We improve our competence with each new order, which enables us to come up with even better solutions the next time. And we always enjoy seeing the success of our customers."
Hydro is the leading supplier of aluminium applications to the automotive industry and a technological leader in several fields: crash management, heat exchange tubing, powertrain and suspension parts.
The company delivers directly to OEMs as well as to tier suppliers in the industry. Its product range covers rolled aluminium - strip and sheet - and extruded aluminium solutions, depending on the application.