What are the advantages and challenges of using aluminum in vehicle bodies?

Aluminum offers significant weight savings (up to 40% vs steel for equivalent strength) and excellent corrosion resistance. It is used in closures (hoods, doors), structural components, and full aluminum bodies in premium vehicles. Challenges include higher material cost (3-4x steel), more complex joining techniques (riveting, adhesive bonding, FSW), higher springback in stamping, and galvanic corrosion when contacting steel. The weight savings improve fuel economy and EV range.