The 2010 Ford Taurus and Volvo XC60, both of which use advanced high-strength steels, were selected as the 2010 International Car and Truck of the Years at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 2 December.
The Ford Taurus’ structure is designed with dual-phase steel and includes the inner A-pillar reinforcements, besides B-pillar reinforcements, roof rail and outer A-pillar assembly.
The Volvo XC60 places emphasis on safety by using ultra high strength steels (1500Mpa) in the A posts, B posts and floor sill reinforcements.
Ron Krupitzer, of the American Iron & Steel Institute’s Steel Market Development Institute said by using advanced and ultra high strength steels, vehicles become ‘considerably stronger’ and reduces mass which causes higher fuel consumption.
