The Steel Market Development Institute’s (SMDI) Vice President – Automotive Market, Dr. Jody Hall, was a featured panelist at the 2015 Center for Automotive Research (CAR) Management Briefing Seminars (MBS), Aug. 3-6 in Traverse City, Mich. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
The panel, titled, “Lightweighting: from Manufacturability to Consumer Acceptance,” was held Monday afternoon. Conversation focused on the materials in use in the automotive industry to help automakers reach lightweighting targets. During her presentation, Hall discussed the impact of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) in the automotive industry, lightweighting capabilities of steel and the environmental benefits of designing with AHSS.
“Steel is the clear winner in the material competition as a result of its superior value,” said Hall. “The newest grades of AHSS together with modern design techniques are helping automakers achieve fuel economy targets without incurring the cost penalties associated with alternative materials. This year, for example, we have seen a lot of great stories with automakers using steel to shed weight – such as the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu and 2016 Nissan Maxima.”
Lightweighting is just one solution to meet 2025 fuel economy regulations, as the industry is approaching the mid-term review for Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements. Hall discussed the relationship of existing vehicle regulations to the overall life cycle emissions.
“Manufacturing emissions of primary aluminum are nearly five times greater than those of steel,” said Hall. “That’s why we are pushing for regulators to look at the full life cycle of materials and not focus solely on the use phase of a vehicle. Life cycle assessment shows production of advanced steel generates less emissions than other automotive body materials and provides significant reduction in driving and end-of-life emissions, as well.”
The Center for Automotive Research (CAR) is involved in the research of significant issues related to the future direction of the global automotive industry. CAR, a nonprofit organization, is focused on a wide variety of important trends and changes related to the automobile industry and society at the international, federal, state and local levels. CAR’s automotive industry research is performed by distinct groups and programs. To fulfill its mission as an impartial voice of the industry, CAR maintains strong relationships with industry, government agencies, universities, research institutes, labor organizations, media, and other major participants in the international automotive community.
For the full version of Hall’s presentation, please click here.
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 19 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 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. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ArcelorMittal USA, Nucor Corporation and United States Steel Corporation. For more information on SMDI, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @DriveUsingSteel on Twitter.
