Among the debuts at this year's exhibition – with the motto "See what's driving the future" – are world premieres from Audi, Peugeot, Renault and Volvo. Eight models from these carmakers alone are being shown for the first time.
"It is always good to see these cars for the first time. You feel like you are part of their success," says Bertrand Cointy, who is responsible for sales for Hydro's automotive structures activities.
Mini and Porsche are also showing new models at IAA 2007. Hydro has contributed to these cars as well.
Technological leader
Hydro is the leading supplier of aluminium applications to the automotive industry and a technological leader in several fields: crash - or, impact - 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.
In the area of impact management, Hydro supplies extrusion-based components and systems. In fact, Hydro delivers more aluminium bumper beams to carmakers than any other company.
The models debuting in Frankfurt are using, from Hydro, front and rear bumper systems, monobeam solutions, subframes and fuel filler pipes.
"We have enjoyed a good year in new sales, which confirms that our customers are satisfied with Hydro," says Cointy. "While we wish good luck to the new models, we are now working to ensure the success for the next group of project launches."