The Steel Market Development Institute’s (SMDI) Vice President of the automotive market, Dr. Jody Hall, presented during the 2016 Precision MetalForming Association’s (PMA) Automotive Parts Supplier’s Conference (APSC).
The two-day event took place at the Detroit-Troy Marriott in Troy, Mich on April 28. SMDI is a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
Hall discussed the use of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) technology and it’s applications within the automotive industry. She focused on the advantages of steel by citing applications of AHSS on the road or in use today and the benefits it has provided to OEMs, suppliers and consumers.
“This is a very timely discussion to have with our customers, as AHSS growth has exceeded projected forecasts for the automotive industry and growth is expected to continue,” said Hall. “There are numerous advantages to using advanced steel grades to meet current and future fuel economy and safety requirements, at a higher value than alternative materials.”
PMA is the full-service trade association representing the $113-billion metalforming industry of North America—the industry that creates precision metal products using stamping, fabricating, spinning, slide forming and roll forming technologies, and other value-added processes. The APSC is one of many programs PMA produces. The APSC Conference, in its 23rd year, has been providing a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and learn about industry trends, market forecasts, production data and more. In addition, the event offers invaluable networking opportunities and information about best practices to help grow businesses and maximize profitability.
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.
