With world markets changing and increased competition from other materials, the industry is meeting new challenges with innovative ideas and strategic partnerships. The steel industry has traditionally been involved in the automotive and construction markets. The automotive industry and the steel industry have been partners ever since Henry Ford produced his first car. Approximately 55 percent of the vehicle you drive today is made from strong, sturdy steel. Over 50 percent of the high performance steels used in today's cars were not available just five years ago.
Partnership continues to be the key with a new challenge from the U.S. government.
The automotive industry extended the challenge to its suppliers. Even before the challenge was issued, the international steel industry put its efforts and resources together via a 35-member consortium to come up with a lighter auto body.