These steel grades are set to stronger than traditional steel, meaning less can be used in manufacturing a vehicle.

“Usibor 2000, which has been under development for some time, is a new aluminium-silicon coated high strength steel that will be even stronger than its predecessor Usibor 1500,” spokeswoman Mary Beth Holdford said. “Usibor 2000 provides additional weight savings for OEMs without compromising vehicle safety. Typical applications for Usibor 2000 include strength-critical passenger compartment parts such as rail extensions, pillars, and cross members.”

The hot-stamped Ductibor 1000 was designed to be a more ductile complement to Usibor.

“Typical applications for Ductibor 1000 include energy absorption parts such as rail tips and lower B-pillars,” Ms Holdford said. “Usibor 2000 has been designed to be compatible with standard press hardening technologies and processes. Industrialisation efforts are currently in progress to ensure a worldwide offering to our automotive customers. Tests on industrial products have shown a good laser welding ability of these materials. The combination of both grades in a single laser welded blank part allows additional weight reduction.”

The steelmaker says the new grades cut costs for automakers and hold up well in crashes.