Kobelco Technology Review

KTR No.42 / Feb. 2025

Materials and Technologies for Automobiles

In recent years, the automotive industry has been experiencing significant turbulence, driven by various challenges, such as CO₂ reduction, electrification, autonomous driving, enhanced safety, advancements in vehicle manufacturing technology, the push for recycling, the rise of new start-ups, and geopolitical risks. Meeting the increasingly complex demands of the modern automotive industry requires a diverse array of solutions, including (1) the use of multiple materials, such as steel, aluminum alloys, copper alloys, and titanium alloys; (2) advanced production technologies, including forming and joining; (3) testing and evaluation methods, including destructive testing and battery performance analysis; (4) various simulation techniques and AI applications; and (5) life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluation. The lastest technologies developed by the Kobelco Group will be introduced.