Whilst emerging hybrid and electric vehicle technologies will undoubtedly play an important role in helping vehicle manufacturers reduce the environmental impact of their products, it’s also important that we do not lose sight of the basic material that represents the ‘backbone’ of the automotive industry – steel – and acknowledge the contributions that we can make through innovation in this area.
As an R&D specialist in the sustainability team of the world’s largest steelmaker, I obviously have a close professional interest in this debate. The automotive sector is of strategic importance to ArcelorMittal, so it is therefore essential that we take the lead on innovation, working with the world’s leading manufacturers to develop solutions that demonstrate steel’s many advantages for a fiercely-competitive market.
One of steel’s greatest benefits to the automotive industry is its ability to enable the production of lighter-weight components without compromising on strength or safety
One of steel’s greatest benefits to the automotive industry is its ability to enable the production of lighter-weight components without compromising on strength or safety – as demonstrated by our ‘S-in motion’ portfolio of automotive solutions. Even greater, though, are the advantages steel delivers across the entire product lifecycle of the typical car. Whilst current methods of steel production are undeniably carbon-intensive – something we’re committed to addressing by continuously working to further reduce emissions – the inherent and indefinite recyclability of the end product means that, across the full lifecycle, it often delivers a lower impact than many rival materials. In fact, one tonne of steel produced from virgin raw materials will be used over and over again and thus end up as five tonnes of steel in its various re-embodiments over its lifespan.
Aluminium has become an increasingly popular material in recent years, particularly at the upper end of the automotive market. However, its energy-intensive production process and ongoing questions around recyclability mean that steel often represents a more efficient choice across the vehicle lifecycle. This is particularly true now that the latest generation of ultra-high strength automotive steels, such as Usibor, are also challenging aluminium’s traditional claims in terms of weight savings.
One tonne of steel produced from virgin raw materials will be used over and over again and thus end up as five tonnes of steel in its various re-embodiments over its lifespan.
Whilst lifecycle is less of an issue for applications such as building and railway construction – where lifespans often stretch into decades rather than mere years – it becomes much more relevant in sectors such as automotive and white goods, where lifecycles are generally much shorter.
In conclusion, the competing demands of emerging economies, population growth and the complexity of meeting the requirements of the mass-market and high-end consumers mean that flexibility will be required on the part of vehicle manufacturers and suppliers, and we’re confident that the benefits which steel offers across the lifecycle will ensure it continues to play a key role in our automotive future.
The opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of Automotive World Ltd.
Professor Jean-Pierre Birat is responsible for the Sustainability R&D Group at ArcelorMittal, the world’s leading steel and mining company. An engineer and metallurgist by training, he also serves as managing director of CTRA (Centre for the Technical Recycling of steel especially for Automotive applications) and European coordinator of the ULCOS (Ultra Low Carbon Steelmaking) programme.
ArcelorMittal’s dedicated automotive division serves car manufacturers, sub-contractors and equipment suppliers, giving them the benefit of global expertise; state-of-the-art research and development; and a comprehensive and internationally-available product, solution and service portfolio.
For more information on ArcelorMittal’s offering for the automotive sector, including the S-in motion programme, please visit: www.arcelormittal.com/automotive
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