New AISI Study Finds Increased Use of AHSS Supports Vehicle Downsizing Trend
05/15/2009 - New study released by AISI’s Automotive Applications Council focuses on the use of advanced high strength steels in vehicle applications.
The Automotive Applications Council of AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) has released a study on the use of advanced high strength steels in vehicle applications.
In the study, researchers with Ducker Worldwide estimated that the use of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) in 2009 model-year light vehicles increased by more than four percent of total body weight vs. 2007, despite a 163-pound decrease in the average weight per vehicle.
“Advanced high-strength steels provide numerous benefits to automakers, including the ability to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel economy,” said David Anderson, director of the Automotive Applications Council. “This study supports the continued use of AHSS in light vehicles, as the material offers affordable solutions to lightweighting, while maintaining passenger safety, vehicle durability and performance requirements.”
The new BMW X6 showcases the most extensive use of advanced high-strength steels, with 32% of its body structure and closures manufactured from AHSS. Other new models with above-average AHSS body content include the new Chevrolet Traverse, Ford F-150 and Chrysler Town and Country. Overall, more than half of the vehicles produced worldwide contain some amount of AHSS,
“As fuel economy standards continue to rise, more automakers will look for ways to incorporate new steel material and process technologies into future automobile designs,” Anderson added.
The Automotive Applications Council’s study predicts a 10% growth per year in the use of AHSS through 2020 as automakers strive to meet the targeted 35 miles-per-gallon fuel economy standard. To meet this goal, Ducker researchers estimate that approximately 650 pounds of mild steel, high-strength steel and iron will have to be replaced with 350 pounds of dual-phase, martensitic, boron and other AHSS, as well as minimal amounts of aluminum, magnesium, polymers and composites.
According to the study, weight reduction will account for at least 25% of the necessary improvement in fuel economy. The balance of the improvement will come from advances in powertrain and related technologies, such as drag reduction, low-rolling-resistance tires, and a 42-volt electrical system.
The Automotive Applications Council, part of AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute, focuses on advancing the use of steel in the highly competitive automotive market. SMDI’s Automotive Applications Council investors include:
- ArcelorMittal Dofasco
- ArcelorMittal USA
- Nucor Corp.
- Severstal North America, Inc.
- United States Steel Corp.
