GM, Magna and Shape Corp. Recognized During Great Designs in Steel Symposium

The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) awarded its Automotive Excellence Award to General Motors, Magna and Shape Corp. for their innovative application of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS) in the GMC Hummer Sport Utility Vehicle. AISI presented the award during the 22nd annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) symposium, held May 22 in Novi, MI.

Accepting the award: GM design release engineers Stephen Dissler, Jr., and James Veal, Jr., Magna department manager William Perry, and Shape Corp. product development leader David Seiter.

The GMC Hummer SUV features an innovative steel-intensive body structure architecture with a well-integrated rechargeable energy storage system. It leverages a wide range of steel grades from mild to ultra-high strength steels to guarantee occupant safety, ensure battery-system integrity and achieve excellent off-road capability while providing an open-air roof design. The body-in-white comprises 37% high-strength steel and 26% ultra-high-strength steel, along with 7% percent AHSS and press-hardened and mild steel.

The GMC vehicle-design team used a variety of joining technologies including traditional spot welding, gas-metal-arc welding, remote and tactile laser welding, and extensive adhesive applications to meet structural performance targets. The team demonstrated the power of collaboration which included early planning, development and process design among the automaker and its supplier partners.

See also: Shape Corp.

Technologies: Management, Materials, Welding and Joining

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