DETROIT, Jan. 7, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- In its fifth year as a premier sponsor of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), will offer visitors a unique look at a future autonomous vehicle. Media and industry attendees can visit the SMDI exhibit Jan. 14 – 17 to take a virtual ride in a vehicle of the future, highlighting advanced high-strength steel's vital role in the architecture of mobility.
"The automotive industry's move away from traditional transportation to new mobility has accelerated over the past few years," said 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 will also 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.
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 21 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 120 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.
The Steel Market Development Institute, a business unit of AISI, increases and defends the use of steel by developing innovative materials, applications and value-added solutions for customers in the automotive, construction and packaging markets. SMDI automotive investors include: AK Steel Corporation, Algoma, ArcelorMittal and Nucor Corporation. For more information on SMDI auto, visit www.autosteel.org or follow @SMDISteel on Twitter.
SOURCE The Steel Market Development Institute
