IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY THROUGH STEEL INNOVATION

An international consortium of steel companies recently completed a series of research projects to help automakers improve the energy efficiency of automobiles by reducing their weight. Reducing vehicle weight is one way to improve fuel economy, but it is very challenging to do so while maintaining vehicle safety and affordability (as was done in this study).

This research effort involved 35 steel manufacturers representing 22 countries. More than $60 million was dedicated over nine years to developing new types of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) for vehicle applications. The research culminated in prototype vehicles that incorporated innovations in the use of steel for auto bodies, closures, and suspensions. The mid-size design achieved combined city-highway gas mileage of over 50 miles per gallon while meeting or exceeding crash safety requirements and affordability criteria.

The consortium has communicated its findings globally and has assisted automakers in replicating these innovative applications in their own vehicles. These innovative steel applications can now be found in nearly every vehicle on the road today.