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Copper clad aluminum wire and copper clad steel wire are commercial products widely used in the telecommunications and electric utility industries, but they are not currently used to a great extent by the automotive industry. Copper clad aluminum is most often chosen as a lighter, lower cost substitute for copper. It is especially efficient for high frequency applications where its impedance is often no greater than solid copper. Copper clad steel is usually applied where strength is important and lower conductivity can be accepted. In addition to wire applications in other industries, bimetallic wire has unique properties that make it attractive for automotive applications. Two new areas of application are suggested: The use of copper clad aluminum to reduce the weight and conductor cost of power cables. The use of smaller diameter copper clad steel for wiring leads that are now sized based on strength rather than conductivity.