Steel-Intensive Vehicles Dominate Major Auto Show Debuts In 2017

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 60 steel-intensive vehicles debuted at major automotive shows across the country in 2017. These vehicles represent every major vehicle segment and size, including the high-demand SUV and CUV market.

"With so many new steel-intensive vehicle debuts across key vehicle segments, it truly reinforces how advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) is driving innovation across the industry and helping automakers reach their lightweighting targets," said Jody Hall, vice president of the automotive market for the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI). "There are more than 200 grades of innovative AHSS available to automakers today. This allows engineers to apply the right grade in the right location for exceptional occupant protection, durability and crash energy management."

Over the past four years, the amount of AHSS used each year in automotive applications has been 10 percent higher than forecasted, according to a study conducted by Ducker Worldwide.¹ AHSS continues its growth trajectory with approximately 254 pounds per vehicle in 2014, surpassing estimates by more than 20 pounds per vehicle.

Here's what OEMs and the media are saying about these notable vehicle debuts from 2017:

2018 Chevrolet Traverse

• It is 300 pounds lighter through use of high-strength steels

2018 Honda Odyssey (nominated for 2018 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year)

• A-, B- and C-pillars, roof rails, floor rails, front body area, and front subframe are composed of high-strength steel

2018 Toyota Camry (nominated for 2018 North American Car of the Year)

• High-strength steel-intensive

2018 Volkswagen Atlas

• Built on the MQB chassis architecture, the body is made of stamped steel and the chassis boasts a large percentage of high-strength, hot-formed steel

2017 Buick Lacrosse

• Composed of 26 percent high-strength low-alloy steel, 23 percent mild steel, 16 percent ultra high-strength steel, 15 percent advanced high-strength steel, 9 percent bake-hardenable steel and 8 percent press-hardened steel

2017 Chrysler Pacifica (2017 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year)

• Body structure is composed of 72 percent high-strength steel

2018 Genesis G90

• Body is comprised of fully galvanized steel panels

2017 Nissan Titan

• The body-on-frame and chassis are composed of corrosion-resistant and high-strength steel

2019 Infiniti QX50

• Use of super high-formability (SHF) 980 Megapascal (MPa) high-tensile steel enhances safety and driving performance, while offering a 23 percent improvement in rigidity

2018 Jeep Wrangler

• B-pillars, quarter panel, sport bar are comprised of steel. The frame is also steel and made of higher-strength steels than previous generations

2018 Kia Stinger (nominated for 2018 North American Car of the Year)

• Composed of 55 percent advanced high-strength steel

2019 Subaru Ascent

• Built on the Subaru Global Platform using extensive use of high-strength steel improves fuel economy and crash protection

Media preview for 2018 North American International Auto Show kicks off on January 14, 2018. Follow along on the SMDI Twitter and Facebook pages for all the latest steel-intensive vehicle unveils.

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. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 20 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 120 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. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal and Nucor Corporation. For more information on SMDI, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @SMDISteel on Twitter.

¹ Great Designs in Steel "Metallic Material Trends in the North American Light Vehicle" May 2015, http://www.autosteel.org/~/media/Files/Autosteel/Great%20Designs%20in%20Steel/GDIS%202015/Track%202%20-%20Abraham.pdf

SOURCE Steel Market Development Institute

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