Over the past three years, the amount of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) used each year in automotive applications has been 10 percent higher than forecasted by Ducker Worldwide, the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) announced today. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
According to a study conducted by Ducker Worldwide, AHSS continues its growth trajectory with approximately 254 pounds per vehicle in 2014, surpassing estimates in 2010 for 2014 by over 20 pounds per vehicle.
"The trend toward higher than expected use of AHSS is one indicator of the high value of steel," said Lawrence W. Kavanagh, president of SMDI. "Another is the lower-than-forecasted adoption of aluminum, noted by aluminum companies in late 2015."
"The trend toward higher than expected use of AHSS is one indicator of the high value of steel," said Lawrence W. Kavanagh, president of SMDI. "Another is the lower-than-forecasted adoption of aluminum, noted by aluminum companies in late 2015."
Steel-intensive vehicle launches dominated major auto show unveilings, further showcasing steel's lightweighting capabilities, durability and environmental benefits.
"Our work with automakers on vehicles still in design is helping to maximize the use of today's steels while introducing the steels of tomorrow, a strong indicator these trends will continue," said Kavanagh. "Mass reduction with steel continues to exceed expectations and offers automakers design solutions without the major manufacturing cost penalties associated with alternative materials."