“Lightweighting” is a term used to describe a method of combining advanced technologies to manufacture similar, much lighter components. This concept is familiar to the auto industry, which has been manufacturing automobiles of all sizes that weigh a fraction of their predecessors. With Federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards requiring an increase in fuel economy and lower CO2 and NOx emissions for consumer vehicles and light trucks by the year 2025, regulations are driving the auto industry to innovate and find lighter solutions. Larger on-road vehicles and mobile equipment are also being required to comply with government regulations for lowering fuel consumption, reducing emissions, and meeting company expectations of decreasing operating expenses at the same time...
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