Advanced Steels Being Used in Wide Range of Upcoming Vehicles
Automakers that showed new products at the North American International Auto Show, from BMW, Chrysler, and Kia to GM and Mercedes, are using advanced high-strength steels in their latest vehicles.
The Steel Market Development Institute recently issued a report that noted that advanced lightweight steels continue to see significant use in new vehicle manufacturing, with a number of automakers incorporating advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) into their latest designs. This was evident at the North American International Auto Show, where automakers from BMW, Chrysler, and Kia to GM and Mercedes are using AHSS in their latest products.
Models using AHSS include the North American Car and Truck, and Utility, of the Year award winners, the 2013 Ram 1500 and the Cadillac ATS. The upcoming 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee incorporates AHSS. The upcoming 2014-MY Chevrolet Silverado uses AHSS in its main rails and crossmembers in order to reduce mass and improve strength. Other models using AHSS include the Cadillac ELR, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the Hyundai HCD-14 Genesis concept, and the all-new BMW 320i.
According to consulting company Mega Associates, steel usage levels have remained constant during the last six years, staying between 58% and 62% of vehicle content.
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