Advanced High-Strength Steel Growth Exceeds Forecast
Over the past three years, the amount of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) used each year in automotive applications has been ten percent higher than forecasted by Ducker Worldwide (Troy, MI), according to the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI; Detroit, MI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI; Washington, DC).
According to a study conducted by Ducker, AHSS continues its growth trajectory with approximately 254 lb per vehicle in 2014, surpassing estimates in 2010 for 2014 by over 20 lb per vehicle. “The trend toward higher than expected use of AHSS is one indicator of the high value of steel,” said Lawrence W. Kavanagh, the 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,” stated Kavanagh. “Mass reduction with steel continues to exceed expectations and offers automakers design solutions without the major manufacturing cost penalties associated with alternative materials.”
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. They also play a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. Comprised of 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and have approximately 125 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.
SMDI increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets. Their automotive investors include AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA and Nucor Corporation.
