Novelis is Lead Supplier of Aluminum for the New Audi Q7

ATLANTA, April 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Novelis Inc. announced today that it is the lead supplier of aluminum sheet for the new Audi Q7 sport utility vehicle (SUV). Novelis supplies aluminum stamping blanks from its European operations for the hood, front fenders and tailgate of the premium SUV.

"The Audi Q7 is a revolutionary new SUV, offering superlative on-road and off-road driving. The technologically advanced luxury seven-seater combines the sporty character of a coupe with the excellent suspension comfort of a sedan. Novelis aluminium and lightweight know-how contributes to the car's advanced performance," said Heinrich Timm, Head of Audi's Aluminium and Lightweight Design Center.

"Novelis is delighted to work with Audi on bringing the benefits of our aluminum body sheet to the Q7 -- Audi's first entry into the SUV market," said Roland Harings, Director of Sales and Marketing for Novelis Automotive in Europe. "We partnered with Audi to customize our material qualities for the Q7, including the joint development of new surface treatments for improved performance."

Automotive is one of the markets identified by Novelis as being key to its global portfolio strategy to Focus on high-end products that maximize the use of its technologically sophisticated rolling assets, expertise and global presence. Novelis is the world's leading supplier of aluminum automotive sheet and the only company capable of producing automotive sheet in both Europe and North America.

The Q7 is another step in the long-standing partnership between Audi and Novelis in the innovative application of aluminum sheet to enhance automotive performance. The use of aluminum helps reduce vehicle weight, improve handling and increase fuel economy, without compromising safety.

Following its European launch in March, the Q7 is expected to appear in U.S. showrooms in June, followed by other markets in the second half of the year. The new vehicle is proving to be a big seller, reports Audi, which expects to produce between 50,000 and 70,000 units annually.

Novelis is the global leader in aluminum rolled products and aluminum can recycling. The company operates in 11 countries and employs approximately 13,000 people. Novelis has the unrivalled capability to provide its customers with a regional supply of technologically sophisticated rolled aluminum products throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Through its advanced production capabilities, the company supplies aluminum sheet and foil to the automotive and transportation, beverage and food packaging, construction and industrial, and printing markets.