Advanced High-Strength Steel Growth Exceeds Forecast

DETROIT, April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- 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,¹ 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."

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."

To download a copy of the Ducker Worldwide presentation from Great Designs in Steel, 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 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

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160420/357877

SOURCE Steel Market Development Institute