Suzuki Outlines Path to 100 kg Vehicle Weight Cut by 2030

Suzuki Motor Corporation says it has found a way to cut the weight of a vehicle by upto 120 kg by 2030 while meeting safety requirements, through changes to how a car’s body manages the force of a collision.

Rather than adding more reinforcement to make a structure stronger, Suzuki, in its technology briefing, said it is studying how to control its deformation and preserve space between the engine and occupants.

"Rather than simply strengthening the body, we control the impact by optimizing the crash stroke - securing sufficient deformation space between the engine and the occupants - meeting safety standards while suppressing weight increase," the automaker said.

"To do so, each division pooled its know-how, for example by moving the engine forward, and we optimized structure and layout across the whole vehicle. By further reviewing materials, individual parts, and specifications, we have a clear
path to a 100 kg weight reduction by 2030. Including future ideas, we are studying
a reduction of up to 120 kg."

Its engineers are reviewing the position of heavy components, including the engine, as well as the shape and materials of individual parts.

The work brings together Suzuki’s body, powertrain, electrical and production teams. The company says improvements across the whole vehicle, including the use of high-strength 

The plan comes at a time weight has become harder to contain as safety requirements tighten and vehicles gain more equipment. Suzuki says simply strengthening the body can add both mass and cost. Its approach is to consider how the vehicle absorbs and directs crash forces from the start of the design process.

The effort also supports Suzuki’s work on powertrain efficiency. A lighter vehicle needs less energy to move; in an EV, that could help deliver the required range without increasing battery size. Suzuki has made appropriately sized batteries another focus of its technology strategy.

Thia should help Suzuki manage safety, fuel efficiency and cost as it develops new petrol, hybrid and electric models. Suzuki has not identified a production vehicle or the baseline for its 100 kg target.