The paper deals with the considerations related to the basic properties and application of primarily aluminum alloys and composite materials for different purposes with the focus on the automotive industry. Through the description of the basic characteristics of aluminum alloys, the starting points for their application in different technical systems are given. On the other hand, the advantages and disadvantages of the use of certain aluminum alloys, along with the guidance and compounds and elements whose use is further enhanced and enriched by aluminum alloys, are predominantly presented. The application of aluminum alloys in the automotive industry, as well as the particular types of aluminum based materials used for individual aggregates and circuits of motor vehicles, as well as their behaviour in different operating modes are imposed as a key chapter of the work. Ultimately, the advantages that are primarily achieved with the vehicle are obtained by the use of aluminum alloys and composites, with the conclusion that there is still space in the field, further improvement of the characteristics of aluminum alloys, and in the field of expansion of the diapason of their application.