The long term future for steel in the automotive industry

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The long term future for steel in the automotive industry

Wells, P.E.

For many years the automotive industry has offered its customers a wide range of choices in terms of models made available to the market. Yet, apart from during the formative years of the industry, there has been little real choice in terms of the fundamental technologies on offer. That is, virtually every car available to the market has been constructed with an all-steel body and equipped with an internal combustion engine - either petrol or diesel. The transition away from this 'monoculture' lies at the heart of the ongoing technology and materials revolution. The automotive industry stands at the threshold of this revolution, but the risks associated with changing fundamental technologies are huge. This article argues that the steel industry needs to look beyond the undoubted impact of the ULSAB project (Ultra Light Auto Steel Body), and consider its future in a multi-technology, multi-material world that may emerge. The key materials decisions will be taken with body and engine technologies. These two, including drivetrain, comprise about half the total vehicle weight. The steel industry is already moving towards some of the solutions. Three main steps have been taken: innovation in steel materials and coatings; innovation in steel processing, and internationalisation.