S-in motion^® for pickup trucks

Policymakers in the US have mandated that cars and light trucks average 54.5 miles/gallon (4.3 litres/100 km) by 2025. This compares to an average fuel economy of around 28 miles/gallon (8.4 l/100 km) today. The latest developments in ArcelorMittal’s S-in motion^® range of steel solutions have focussed on helping pickup OEMs meet the 54.5 mile/gallon challenge.

ArcelorMittal has created two S-in motion^® sets of solutions for pickup trucks to reduce average weight. Both have been refined and extended to help meet the specific challenges facing the North American light truck market. 

S-in motion^® solutions for pickup trucks meet OEMs’ acceptance criteria and have been validated for all major automotive standards, including crash safety and stiffness requirements.

The first solution uses advanced high strength steels and press-hardened steel grades which are already available. These include grades such as Usibor^® 1500 and Ductibor^® 500. Deploying available solutions can already reduce weight by up to 174 kg (384 lbs) compared to a 2014 baseline vehicle. That equates to a saving of 23% on the combined weight of a pickup’s cab, box, frame and closures.

Reducing average pickup weight by 174 kg saves more than 14 grams of CO₂-equivalent emissions per kilometre. It ensures pickup trucks meet existing regulatory standards in both the EU and US.

Emissions reduction regulations in the EU and US are driving auto manufacturers to develop lighter, more fuel efficient vehicles. In the EU, OEMs have to lower average emissions to 95g of CO₂ per kilometre by 2020. In the US, the target is 54.5 miles/gallon by 2025.

ArcelorMittal’s second S-in motion^® set of solutions for pickup trucks uses emerging grades in the final stages of development which can meet these advanced targets. ArcelorMittal has calculated that these grades will reduce pickup weight by an additional 22 kg. The innovative new steel solutions include advanced steel grades developed by ArcelorMittal’s R&D teams in Maizières-lès-Metz and Montataire (France) and East Chicago (US).

These solutions provide further evidence that steel is the most sustainable, versatile and affordable material to help automotive manufacturers achieve weight reduction targets on time - without compromising strength and safety.

• 174 kg (23%) of weight savings compared to baseline weight (748 kg)
• Optimal solution embarks 63% Advanced High Strength Steels including 18% Press Hardened Steels
• Solutions are validated for crash and stiffness requirements
• Main complex parts are validated for forming and assembly