Chinese steel producer Shougang Group and automaker FAW Group have jointly developed and validated a new generation of 2.4 GPa (2,400 MPa) hot-formed automotive steel, marking a significant step forward in ultra-high-strength materials for vehicle structures.
The material will be first applied in critical safety components of Hongqi-branded models, highlighting FAW’s push to enhance passive safety performance in its premium vehicle lineup.
The new steel achieves an improved balance of ultra-high strength, toughness and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, key challenges for advanced automotive materials. Compared with widely used 2.0 GPa-grade steel, it delivers around 15pct higher strength in components such as door impact beams and more than 10pct greater energy absorption during collisions. At the same time, it enables a 5-10pct reduction in component weight without compromising safety standards.
The development involved coordinated engineering across the full production chain, including alloy design, casting, rolling and welding. Shougang optimized process controls to address challenges linked to high alloy content, improved rolling techniques for forming ultra-high-strength products, and refined welding parameters to enhance joint integrity and load-bearing performance.
The companies said the breakthrough provides a new solution for lightweighting and safety in new energy vehicles. Reduced weight supports improved efficiency and extended driving range, while the enhanced material properties strengthen vehicle performance in severe crash scenarios.
Established in 1919 and headquartered in Beijing, Shougang Group is a leading Chinese state-owned steelmaker with annual crude steel capacity of around 35 mln tons, ranking among the top producers globally.
