The American steel industry is showcasing the role of advanced high-strength steel in the architecture of mobility in the Steel Market Development Institute’s exhibit Jan. 14-17, when the global media and the automotive industry has exclusive access to the North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in downtown Detroit.
SMDI, a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute, which has an office in Southfield, is in its fifth year as a premier sponsor of the NAIAS, and will give media and industry attendees a virtual ride in a vehicle of the future.
“The automotive industry’s move away from traditional transportation to new mobility has accelerated over the past few years,” says Dr. Jody Hall, vice president, automotive market, SMDI. “This change in focus has resulted in significant investment by automakers and suppliers in enabling technologies for mobility, autonomy, electric vehicles, and more.
“With so much at stake in these investments, it’s important the material used for autonomous and electric vehicles is strong, durable, and cost effective — making advanced high-strength steel the best choice for automakers, suppliers, and consumers.”
SMDI’s three-minute virtual journey takes participants through a futuristic city landscape as the steel body of an autonomous vehicle builds around them. Riders will be able to explore the key components of the vehicle and learn how advanced high-strength steels in automotive design can address the potential challenges of autonomous transportation.
SMDI’s exhibit also will feature a 2018 Acura RDX body-in-white, allowing visitors to compare the advanced high-strength steel structure of a current vehicle with the autonomous vehicle in the virtual reality experience. Experts from SMDI and its member companies will be available to answer questions about advanced high-strength steel’s role in the architecture of future mobility.
2019 NAIAS Dates:
The Gallery – Saturday, January 12
AutoMobili-D – Sunday-Sunday, January 13-20
Press Preview – Sunday-Tuesday, January 13-15
Industry Preview – Wednesday-Thursday, January 16-17
Charity Preview – Friday, January 18
Public Show – Saturday-Sunday, January 19-27
