China Zhongwang, the second largest industrial aluminium extrusion product developer and manufacturer in the world and the biggest one in Asia, announced that it has successfully designed, manufactured and developed all-aluminium new electric buses for Brilliance Bus (Dalian) Company Limited (“Brilliance Bus”).
This co-operation marks China Zhongwang’s inauguration as the first and only aluminium processing enterprise in China to have the capability of undertaking both the design and manufacturing of all-aluminium new energy public buses.
The frame and body of this new public bus model use aluminium alloy as the key material. Its weight is reduced by 40% versus its steel counterparts. Aluminium-bodied vehicles are more durable, corrosion resistant and have better vibration absorption capabilities. The lighter auto bodies increase the vehicles’ driving range, thereby conserving energy and reducing operating costs. In order to reduce the urban air pollution problem, China has enacted policies to encourage the development of new energy vehicles. These policies have played an important role in driving the growth of aluminium applications.
China Zhongwang has now completed two vehicle prototypes for Brilliance Bus, of which the first prototype is for display, and the second is currently undergoing road tests. It will commence mass production after passing the road test.
[source: Green Car Congress]
