Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. announced a significant stride in its sustainability efforts today, revealing plans to integrate low CO2 emission aluminum parts into both new and current vehicle models starting from the fiscal year 2024. The automaker aims to transition entirely to green or recycled aluminum by 2030, marking a pivotal step towards its goal of achieving carbon neutrality across the entire lifecycle of its vehicles by 2050.
Aluminum, which constitutes about 10% of a vehicle’s weight, will be sourced from environmentally friendly production methods. Green aluminum, produced using non-fossil fuel-derived electricity, reduces CO2 emissions during production by approximately 50%. In contrast, recycled aluminum offers an even greater reduction in CO2 emissions, cutting them by roughly 95%.
Currently, Nissan procures low CO2 emission aluminum sheets for vehicle panels in Japan from Kobe Steel, Ltd. and UACJ Corporation. The company plans to extend the use of green aluminum to all aluminum parts globally, encompassing processed components, to further diminish its carbon footprint.
From fiscal year 2027, all new Nissan models will exclusively feature low CO2 emission aluminum. This fiscal year, the initiative will commence with the purchase of wheels, chassis parts, axle parts, and harness wires made from green aluminum in Japan, the United States, and Europe. By the end of fiscal year 2024, approximately 20% of the newly mined aluminum used in these regions is expected to be replaced with green or recycled aluminum.
Nissan’s commitment to sustainability places it at the forefront of the automotive industry’s transition towards a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world. The company continues to accelerate its efforts, underscoring its dedication to a sustainable future.
