[LINK] non-iron cars?

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

You may have noticed that Mazda hasn't released a lineup of electric 
vehicles, hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. 

So, how will the automaker reach the demanding 54.5 miles per gallon by 
2025 federal mandate? By going lightweight and utilizing its Skyactiv 
technology.

As part of its Skyactiv program, Mazda dropped 575 pounds off its CX-5 
crossover from its similar-sized predecessor, the CX-7. 

Now the goal is shed at least 220 pounds every time it redesigns one of 
its models. 

That's a tough thing to do, but Mazda still has a lot of room, said Dave 
Coleman, vehicle development engineer for Mazda's North American 
operations

The automaker last year said it was looking to boost fleetwide fuel 
economy by about 30 percent over the next three years largely through its 
Skyactiv program, which uses better engine, transmission, aerodynamics 
and lightweight technology to cut fuel use in its internal combustion 
engines. 

To lighten a car, engineers face the battle of overcoming tough 
obstacles. For example, making sure safety and emissions regulations are 
met, and that consumer demand for comfort and convenience features are 
delivered, all of which add to the vehicle's weight. Mazda has adopted a 
few alternatives to do so, such as using less steel, installing bolts in 
the CX-5 that are 8 grams lighter. Mazda will continue looking for more 
advanced materials in future generations of SkyActiv models.

Eventually, the costs will come down as they become more widely used in 
the industry, Coleman says. Electrification of new models with advanced 
battery systems is costing automakers and consumers big bucks to adopt, 
and Mazda plans to add those technologies further down the line. For now, 
it's confident that SkyActiv and lightweighting are the ways to go.

<http://green.autoblog.com/2012/08/09/mazda-s-skyactiv-technology-driving-
hefty-weight-loss-goal/>

Cheers,
Stephen