NEWS & EVENTS
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Joins LIFT To Enhance Its Automotive Light-Weighting Research
Media Contacts:
Joe Steele, LIFT
313-309-9132
jsteele@lift.technology
Mark Clothier
Audi
Mark.Clothier@audi.com
DETROIT – LIFT – Lightweight Innovations For Tomorrow today announced Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWGoA) has officially joined the institute to advance the group’s research into lightweight metals, therefore reducing the weight of future vehicles.
VWGoA, now a LIFT Silver Member, is the first automotive OEM to join the Detroit-based Manufacturing USA institute. The group is comprised of Volkswagen, Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti.
“Light-weighting is critical for the future of our vehicles, not only to improve on fuel economy, but also to help improve vehicle performance,” said Dr. Hagen Seifert, Head of Materials, Audi AG. “The innovative research being done and the network of industry and academic experts available at LIFT were keys drivers in our decision to join.”
Among the areas the group is interested in working on: researching how internal components can be made lighter while improving performance and power for the vehicle while reducing manufacturing costs.
“We are thrilled to have VWGoA, along with their other high performing brands on the market, join LIFT,” said Lawrence Brown, executive director, LIFT. “Bringing an automotive OEM into membership alongside our present auto suppliers and industry OEMs members creates an enhanced robust ecosystem, allowing participants from across industries to work together and learn from each other.”
ABOUT LIFT:
LIFT, one of the founding Manufacturing USA institutes, and part of the National Network of Manufacturing Innovation program, is a Detroit-based public-private partnership dedicated to developing and deploying advanced lightweight metal manufacturing technologies, and implementing education and training programs to better prepare the workforce today and in the future.
ABOUT Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.:
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers and the largest carmaker in Europe. It operates a manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee and houses the U.S. operations of a worldwide family of distinguished and exciting brands including Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Volkswagen, as well as VW Credit, Inc. Founded in 1955, the company’s headquarters are in Herndon, Va., Volkswagen Group of America brings vehicles to the U.S. that marry the science of engineering and the art of styling, with the goal of offering attractive, safe, and eco-conscious automobiles that are competitive and set world standards in their respective classes. The company has approximately 6,000 employees in the United States and sells its vehicles through a 1,000-strong dealer network