Constellium N.V. launched new aluminium high-strength Crash Management Systems (CMS) technology designed for the front and the rear of a vehicle for enhanced structural protection in the event of a collision. Constellium’s technology enables the production of aluminum CMS that are 15% lighter and 10% stronger than the current aluminium CMS on the market, the company said.

Constellium’s new-generation CMS combine the properties of the 6xxx aluminium alloy family—formability, corrosion resistance, energy absorption, recyclability—with high-strength mechanical performance.

We believe that Constellium’s technology combined with advanced design and manufacturing capabilities will result in higher performance and cost efficiency, thus opening new possibilities to expand the use of full-aluminium CMS in the mass-market car segment.

Automotive sector analysts expect the use of aluminium CMS to increase in the next five years, particularly in European premium cars. By 2018, aluminium CMS are projected to capture about 30% of total European automotive market share. In the United States, aluminium CMS are expected to account for nearly 20% market share by 2018. Combined aluminium CMS production for China, Europe and North America is expected to reach more than 28 million units by 2018.

Constellium’s CMS technology was developed through cutting-edge research at Constellium’s R&D Center in Voreppe, France, testing at its industrial sites, and in close collaboration with its automotive customers.