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Steel Industry Sets Sights on Auto Fuel Tanks

7 August 2000

Steel Industry Sets Sights on Auto Fuel Tanks, Reports American Iron and Steel Institute

     Steel can meet stricter emissions, durability requirements for 2004

    TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., Aug. 7 In its continuing quest to
provide materials and processes that help automakers produce safe, affordable,
lightweight and environmentally efficient vehicles, the global steel industry
is turning its attention to fuel tanks -- an application that has lost
considerable market share to plastics, reports the American Iron and Steel
Institute.
    In 1999, approximately 58 percent of the global production of fuel tanks
was steel.  Market analysts project steel's market share will dip to about 41
percent by 2004.  However, with the expectation of stricter evaporative
emissions and durability requirements, along with improved steels and forming
processes, vehicle manufacturers are rethinking their choice of plastic fuel
tanks.
    "Automakers have told us that they are searching for alternatives to
plastic fuel tanks, because plastic designs currently are unable to meet the
stricter requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that take
effect in 2004," said Darryl C. Martin, senior director, Automotive
Applications, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).  "Automakers
understand that CARB requirements influence automotive regulations not only in
California, but in many other states, and other countries.  Steel fuel tanks
not only can meet durability and emissions requirements for fuel tanks, they
also are fully recyclable, an advantage of particular importance as
governments continue to tighten requirements for end-of-life vehicles."
    Meeting stricter requirements for permeability may require plastic fuel
tanks to become heavier and more costly, thereby mitigating the perceived
weight and cost advantages plastic fuel tanks have enjoyed.  Steel
successfully addresses the permeability and affordability issues.  Advances in
materials, such as highly formable steels that allow for greater flexibility
in the forming of complex shapes, and improved corrosion-resistance make steel
attractive for fuel tanks.  These materials, coupled with leading edge
processes, including 3-dimensional welding and hydroforming, will enable the
steel industry to continue to provide affordable, durable and environmentally
sound products for its customers.
    To encourage further development of technologies and performance of steel
fuel tanks, AISI is organizing an international multi-functional group of fuel
system manufacturers, users and material suppliers.  The group, called the
Strategic Alliance for Steel Fuel Tanks (SASFT), has received initial interest
and participation from fuel system manufacturers (such as Visteon,
Tesma/Magna, Canada, Tower Automotive/Metalsa, Mex., Narmco Group,Canada, and
Pilot Industries), a weld system supplier (Soudronic, Ltd., Switzerland), a
paint manufacturer (The Magni Group), and a gasket supplier (Wynn's Precision
- Goshen).  Additionally, European and Asian steel manufacturers (such as
Corus Group, ThyssenKrupp Stahl, and Usinor Group) are bringing a global view
of fuel system materials to the SASFT group.  Additional representation from
the international fuel systems community is expected in the next few months.
The Alliance's goals include working to develop next generation steel fuel
tanks and exploring strategies whereby steel could provide "one-stop-shop"
capabilities for fuel tank customers.  Additionally, the Alliance will promote
steel as the safe, affordable, durable and non-permeable choice for fuel
tanks.
    Peter Mould, president of Automotive Steel Technologies, Inc., will
coordinate the Alliance's activities on behalf of AISI.  "We are encouraged by
the positive response the formation of the Alliance has generated among
steelmakers, suppliers and potential customers.  Although we are still in the
formative stages, we anticipate making a great deal of progress in a short
amount of time," said Mould.