Lightweight construction is a key technology in modern vehicle engineering. The deployment of innovative materials and the development of new production technologies allow for the realization of ever more functional structural components. However, possible weight savings are often offset by economic and environmental overhead in manufacturing and recycling.

Only a realistic estimation of costs and benefits through a holistic view of all cycle phases from the production of semi-finished products to the usage of vehicles to the recycling of the residual material by means of a comprehensive life cycle assessment leads to a proper evaluation of economically and ecologically sensible solutions. To this end, a broad coalition of research institutions, automotive suppliers and manufacturers has adopted a joint position paper on the topic of “The Importance of a Holistic Life Cycle Engineering for Automotive Lightweight Construction” (in German).

Here’s a detailed report on life cycle engineering (in German).