A comment on Facebook
A comment on Facebook questioned why we're wasting time on aluminum when carbon fiber would be lighter and stronger.
My answer: The process for carbon fiber is good for low volume but not high volume as in 60 units per hour. Significant mfg process changes will have to occur first and likely include banking of parts. Not impossible, but a definite Mfg paradigm shift for OEMs.
As another point of reference, here's an excerpt from the many remarks by DOE Secretary, Chu at the Detroit Economic Club: "For conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, a 10 percent reduction in vehicle weight can result in a six to eight percent improvement in fuel economy. That is why we are supporting research and development of high-tensile strength steels, aluminum and magnesium alloys, and carbon fiber composites. Our goal is to reduce body and chassis weight by 50 percent."