core sector communique

ArcelorMittal drives automotive innovation with pioneering steel type

World’s largest steelmaker enables with 'S-in motion' program a new generation of lighter, safer and more efficient cars

Luxembourg, 5 November 2010 - ArcelorMittal unveiled the results of its ‘S-in motion’ automotive research program. Designed to enable the production of lighter, safer and more energy-efficient vehicles, the S-in motion project underlines the ongoing commitment of the world’s largest steelmaker to the car manufacturing sector. 

Developed through direct technical collaboration with leading partners of automotive manufacturers, the S-in motion portfolio comprises a range of over 60 innovative Press-Hardened Steel (PHS) and Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS) solutions that can be implemented in vehicles today, delivering direct benefits to both car makers and consumers in terms of weight, safety and efficiency.

“We are proud to unveil the results of our pioneering S-in motion program, which represents the
culmination of a major, two-year research program across ArcelorMittal’s six specialized automotive research centers,” comments Gregory Ludkovsky, Head of Global Research and Development. “At a time when vehicle manufacturers are facing unprecedented pressure to reconcile the requirements of consumers and environmental regulators, we believe that the S-in motion portfolio represents a true milestone that will deliver numerous benefits for our customers,” adds Brian Aranha, Head of Automotive, ArcelorMittal.

This portfolio includes solutions covering 43 parts of the typical C-segment vehicle. Manufacturers that implement the lightest solution for each component can save up to 73kg or 19% of the typical vehicle’s Body In White (BIW) weight, compared with a baseline C-segment production car. According to a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) conducted throughout the process, from steel elaboration to the vehicle end of life, these weight savings have the potential to deliver a 13.5 per cent reduction in CO2 equivalent (eq) emissions during the vehicle’s use-phase, without compromising safety, durability or corrosionresistance.

The S-in motion portfolio also has the potential to deliver significant energy efficiencies across the vehicle manufacturing life cycle. According to the same LCA, another 15 per cent reduction in CO2 equivalent (eq) emissions can be obtained during the production. These savings achieved by the implementation of AHSS further help car makers to improve the sustainability of their operations.

“Research and Development sits at the very heart of our company’s commitment to delivering safe, sustainable steel,” comments Michel Wurth, member of the Group Management Board at ArcelorMittal and responsible for R&D and Flat Carbon Europe. “We invested here across our 15 global research sites, despite the severe commercial challenges imposed b y the worst downturn in recent economic history. Pioneering projects like S-in motion provide powerful evidence of how this ongoing commitment to innovation continues to deliver tangible benefits for our customers,” he adds.

About ArcelorMittal 

ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel company, with operations in more than 60 countries.
ArcelorMittal is the leader in all major global steel markets, including automotive, construction, household appliances and packaging, with leading R&D and technology, as well as sizeable captive supplies of raw materials and outstanding distribution networks. With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, the Company covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature.

Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates. It is also committed to the sustainable management of the environment and of finite resources. ArcelorMittal recognises that it has a
significant responsibility to tackle the global climate change challenge; it takes a leading role in the industry's efforts to develop breakthrough steelmaking technologies and is actively researching and developing steel-based technologies and solutions that contribute to combat climate change.

In 2009, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $65.1 billion and crude steel production of 73.2 million tonnes, representing approximately 8 per cent of world steel output. ArcelorMittal is listed on the stock exchanges of New York (MT), Amsterdam (MT), Paris (MT), Brussels (MT), Luxembourg (MT) and on the Spanish stock exchanges of Barcelona, Bilbao, Madrid  and Valencia (MTS).