Vehicle design develops with environmental pressure

The drive for more fuel efficient vehicles which retain a good level of performance has led to dramatic reductions in panel weight and a rethink of fastening techniques. Lawrence Large looks at some fabrication methods for lighter materials.

The growing need to protect the environment has led to a global drive to force down our dependence on fossil fuels and the emission they produce when consumed. The motor industry in particular is seen as a sector where substantial gains can be made in the battle to reduce the carbon footprint. Making vehicles lighter gives a relatively quick, a lighter vehicle uses less fuel and better economy means that less carbon is emitted to the atmosphere.

Environmentalists have agreed emission reduction programmes which in many countries have led to legislation to reduce energy usage. In the US, for example, industry is now expected to cut emissions across the board to achieve the targets set out in the Copenhagen Accord which recognised the need to reduce global emissions back.