11th Annual Great Designs in Steel Seminar Discusses Advanced Steel Technologies for New Fuel Econom

As automotive engineers and designers develop the best solutions to meet more stringent fuel economy standards and safety regulations, the North American steel industry is accelerating its work to provide advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) solutions for vehicle mass reduction and performance improvements. To foster crucial discussions regarding how steel can help automakers meet these upcoming requirements, the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI) will host the 11th annual Great Designs in Steel seminar Wednesday, May 16 at the Laurel Manor Conference Center in Livonia, Mich. from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The all-day, multi-track event brings together engineering, design, technology, policy and academic leaders to share insights into the latest trends and applications in automotive steel technologies focused on safety, improved manufacturability, lightweighting and emissions reduction.

“Great Designs in Steel is the leading forum for engineers to share their experiences with new applications and the benefits of new steel technologies with their peers,” Ron Krupitzer, vice president, automotive market, SMDI, said. “Over the past decade advanced high-strength steels have become the fastest growing material in modern vehicles and, given the latest breakthroughs in steel properties and performance, never before has this dialogue been more important.”

In addition to the technical program, Great Designs in Steel will offer a live emergency extrication demonstration of how first responders handle modern steel structures. New vehicle displays, including structural cutaways together with product and technology exhibits, will showcase the latest advanced steel technologies.

Great Designs in Steel debuted in 2002 and has since grown in attendance and scope. In 2011, more than 1,200 attendees including North American vehicle manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, equipment suppliers, university representatives, steel company personnel and technical reporters participated in more than 25 presentations offered by steel companies, Chrysler, Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Co. In addition, 20 state-of-the-art exhibits were displayed, including the Chevy Volt and Jeep Grand Cherokee bodies-in-white and Ford Explorer cutaway. For more information or to register for Great Designs in Steel 2012, please visit www.autosteel.org.

The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute, grows and maintains the use of steel through strategies that promote cost-effective solutions in the automotive, construction and container markets, as well as for new growth opportunities in emerging steel markets. For more news or information, visit www.autosteel.org.

SMDI investors include:

— AK Steel Corporation
— ArcelorMittal Dofasco
— ArcelorMittal USA LLC
— Nucor Corporation
— Severstal North America Inc.
— ThyssenKrupp Steel USA, LLC
— United States Steel Corporation