The 1st Automotive Weight Reduction Expo (held concurrently with EV JAPAN)

 Automakers are vigorously striving to make automobiles lighter and more fuel efficient.

 The 1st Automotive Weight Reduction Expo held on January 19-21, 2011 (held concurrently with the 2nd EV & HEV Drive System Technology Expo) showcased a number of new engineering and other technologies that encourage the use of aluminum, magnesium and other lightweight materials, the use of plastics, especially foamed plastics, and the new processes and methods that allow weight reduction or the use of weight reducing materials.

 This report (Report 1) contains a summary of exhibits focusing on lightweight materials. Exhibits focusing on weight reducing technologies, including the use of plastics, will follow in Report 2.