AHSS remains fastest-growing automotive material, says SMDI

Over the past three years, the amount of AHSS used each year in automotive applications has been 10 percent higher than forecast by Ducker Worldwide, says the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).

According to “Metallic Material Trends in the North American Light Vehicle,” presented by Ducker Worldwide Director Abey Abraham at Great Designs in Steel 2015, AHSS continues its growth trajectory with approximately 254 lbs. per vehicle in 2014, surpassing estimates in 2010 for 2014 by more than 20 lbs. 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, said SMDI.

“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, visit www.autosteel.org/~/media/files/autosteel/great%20designs%20in%20steel/gdis%202015/track%202%20-%20abraham.pdf.