Hitachi Automotive Systems will supply a carbon fibre propeller shaft for Alfa Romeo’s new Giulia, the company said in a press release yesterday (26 April). The company says that propeller shaft made of carbon fibre will help in vehicle weight reduction by approximately 5 kg. In addition to weight reduction, the carbon fibre propeller shaft contributes to vehicle safety, since the impact force is reduced by approximately 50% at maximum due to collapsible behaviour in frontal impact vehicle collision. It also enables elimination of centre bearing support structure, which in turn eliminates a potential noise transmission path to the passenger compartment, thereby improving vehicle comfort.
Significance: Currently, almost every major automaker is focusing on reducing vehicle weight to meet regulations in the areas of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Use of carbon fibre is one of the options automakers are adopting to make lightweight materials. Hitachi Automotive Systems has been developing automotive products that contribute to environmental friendliness, safety, comfort and convenience of vehicles. Hitachi says its carbon fibre propeller shaft is around 40% lighter over a conventional steel propeller shaft, and thus contributes to overall vehicle weight reduction.
