The MOU-signing ceremony was held on October 17 in the POSCO magnesium plate factory in the Haeryong Industrial Complex in Suncheon. Approximately 20 people were present, including National Assembly member Jeonghyeon Lee, the governor of Jeolla-namdo Nakyeon Lee, the mayor of Suncheon Choonghoon Cho and POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon.

POSCO and Suncheon, Jeolla-namdo entered into an MOU on October 17 to expand the number of magnesium production facilities. Third from the left, National Assembly member Jeonghyeon Lee, governor of Jeolla-namdo Nakyeon Lee, POSCO CEO Ohjoon Kwon and the mayor of Suncheon Choonghoon Cho.

According to this MOU, POSCO and Suncheon will join forces in the purchase of a lot and the expansion of the facilities for producing automotive wide magnesium plates. They will also work side by side in transforming the Haeryong Industrial Complex into a light materials industry cluster by fostering and actively supporting magnesium-related SMEs.

Magnesium is in the spotlight as an ultra-light material that is lighter than aluminum and steel. As environment-friendly issues have emerged in the automotive industry, POSCO has focused on developments with magnesium, as it can be more effective than aluminum in terms of weight reduction. POSCO completed the magnesium plate factory in Suncheon in July 2007, and has since been producing and supplying alloy plates to domestic and overseas automakers and electronics companies.

POSCO’s magnesium was applied to Renault’s concept car ‘EOLAB,’ which was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014. The roof of a standard car weights about 10kg, but the roof of ‘EOLAB’, which is made from POSCO’s magnesium plates, weighs about 4.5kg, and has accordingly attracted public attention.

POSCO is planning to capitalize on this expansion to preempt the anticipated increasing demand for magnesium for foreign automobiles, and become the first to make a move in the global market.

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Magnesium was first purified in the 19th century, but wasn’t widely utilized until much later due to the metal’s flammability and corrosive nature, and its difficult refinement process. In its early days, scientists took advantage of its bright white combustibility to make military star shells for illuminating battlefields and flash effects for photography.

Despite its highly flammable nature, though, magnesium has turned out to be very useful for making alloys with other metals. These compounds are able to retain magnesium’s light weight but also offer greater strength and resistance to corrosion. These days, the biggest uses of magnesium are in aluminum alloys (which accounts for nearly one-third of all magnesium demand), die castings, titanium refining and steel desulphurization.

Magnesium in Electronics

When it comes to IT gadgets that require portability and durability, magnesium alloys can help minimize mass while maintaining sturdiness. Increasingly more plastic parts in electronic devices are being replaced by magnesium alloys that essentially weigh the same, but are much stronger and durable. This is especially useful for appliances that benefit from weight reduction, such as cameras, cell phones, laptops and other small electronics.

For example, POSCO’s carbon and magnesium alloy was used throughout the body of the LG Gram 15 laptop, successfully contributing to making it the lightest 15-inch laptop in the market. It was widely recognized for its high level of durability, despite its light weight.

Magnesium in the Automobile Industry

Magnesium wasn’t a very widely used element in the automobile industry in the past, avoided by engineers and designers because of its combustibility. But modern advancements have made magnesium safer than ever, allowing manufacturers to embrace it for its potential to increase fuel efficiency by reducing the vehicle weight. In fact, lightweight car body materials that use magnesium are often preferred over their heavier steel and aluminum counterparts.

Magnesium alloys are most commonly used for the chassis, in the interior (like for the seat base, console bracket and instrument panel), for the exterior (roof and frame, outside mirror armature and wheel frame) and for the powertrain. Magnesium alloys can also help reduce noise and vibrations compared to typical metals.

When the new hybrid car Renault EOLAB made its debut in 2014, its fuel efficiency was rated one of the best in the industry, able to run 100 kilometers on a liter of gas. The vehicle’s roof was made out of POSCO’s magnesium alloy, which decreased the total roof weight by more than half of the original. The magnesium alloy has also been used in the roof of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, contributing to its light weight and better fuel efficiency.

POSCO continues to look for various ways to improve fuel efficiency in cars by developing technologies that can safely utilize magnesium alloys for the automobile industry.

POSCO and Magnesium

With the rise in demand for sustainable, recyclable and lightweight products, magnesium is proving to be the ideal material to utilize in more ways than one. POSCO has been at the forefront of developing magnesium sheet technologies, continually conducting research and looking to make advancements. Since last year, POSCO has emphasized minimizing costs and further developing magnesium materials. Currently, the company is involved in many solution marketing activities such as creating magnesium car parts.

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The 2015 Seoul Motor Show, which will run until April 12 at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX), is in full swing. Under the theme “Experience the Technology, Feel the Artistry”, the show has already drawn in thousands with its displays of some 370 automobiles from over 30 brands.

2015 Seoul Motor Show’s Concept Cars

The show’s concept cars, an eclectic mix of automobiles that possess both innovative technologies and cutting-edge designs, are undoubtedly a highlight of the event for most car enthusiast attendees. Kia Motors’ all-new K5 sedan has drawn attention with its sleek, sporty design, as has the Alfieri by Maserati, a stylish coupé named after the most prominent of the founding Maserati brothers.

Yet it’s undeniable that eco-friendliness is a theme that stands at the forefront of this year’s show, as evidenced by the number of electric and hybrid models on display from brands such as Porsche, Lexus and Hyundai.

EOLAB: A Stand Out Model

Among the show’s “green” concept models, Renault’s EOLAB, which is making its first appearance in Asia since its official global debut at last year’s Paris Motor Show, stands out, thanks to its revolutionary style and environmentally conscious characteristics. Although it’s unlikely that the EOLAB will make it to production anytime soon, its technological innovations are slated to appear on future models by 2020.

Renault claims that the EOLAB boasts a super-efficient fuel economy of 100 kilometers per liter, while at the same time produces as low as 22 grams of CO2 per kilometer, parameters that are five times better than its eco-friendly rivals. EOLAB’s eco-efficiency is possible because of its extraordinary lightness, enabled by the use of its state-of-the-art high-strength steel and special magnesium panels developed in conjunction with POSCO.

POSCO and Renault, a Perfect Match

Although the EOLAB may be a car of the future, the relationship between Renault and POSCO is nothing new. In 2012, POSCO signed a joint development agreement with Renault-Samsung, and in 2014, joined in on the EOLAB production project with the French automaker.

Dr. Lee Hong-woo, Principal Researcher of POSCO, noted that the collaboration was a great opportunity to show off the excellence of POSCO’s technology to the world.

“I believe that it was exceptionally special because the collaboration represented Renault’s firm trust in POSCO,” Lee noted. “Also, through this project, POSCO and Renault signed an additional agreement to co-develop light vehicle body and automobile chassis solutions for the next generation. Therefore, we are looking forward to establishing a full range of EVI networks in the upcoming future.”

The Future of POSCO

As global car manufacturers like those participating in this year’s Seoul Motor Show continue to seek lighter but stronger materials for automobiles of the future, demand for POSCO’s advanced high-strength steel products and magnesium plates will also increase.

Lee Hyun-ju, Sales Manager of Automotive Flat Products Sales Group, agrees that this is only the beginning of POSCO’s involvement in the automotive industry. He states, “Although automobile companies and steel companies are already cooperating in various aspects, I believe that there are many more opportunities and possibilities to lead to an enhanced collaboration from production to completion. Therefore, I wish to continue the cooperative efforts with many more companies and people in the future.”

As the 2015 Seoul Motor Show wraps up at the end of this week, we can only wait and see what next year’s show will have to offer. One thing is for sure, though; this won’t be the last time we see POSCO playing an integral role in the design and development of the world’s finest automobiles.

Steel Everywhere! Steel in Our Daily Lives

It is hard not to use recycled steel every day. Can you imagine cutting steak with a plastic knife? We unconsciously use recycled steel, which is often revived in watches, canned food, cars, containers, rollercoasters and more. We use steel in different forms every day and we’re sometimes not even aware we’re using it. Wherever you go, you will find steel! Steel’s recycling qualities are not only unlimited, but the material has a variety of ways it can be reused.

<Click here to find out why steel is called “The ‘Real’ Man of Steel”>

What Can We Do With Recycled Steel?

Steel’s wide range of recyclability allows us to have effective and efficient lives. In some cases, it can also help protect the environment. The story the infographic by worldsteel describes tells us about how recycled steel helps both us and the Earth.

<Click here to download Infographic>

Cars made with recycled steel can be reborn as nine different useful products. Steel recycling does not stop there, as it continues to transform into various products via endless re-recycling. What’s interesting about recycled steel is that it saves our time, lives, and even our planet. Cars made with recycled steel are lighter, cleaner and more efficient. They emit less emissions and save us money at the pump.

Less is More – And For the Better

Steel and automobiles are best friends. It is hard to make cars without steel. Compared to the past, customers now prefer lighter cars because they are lighter, have lower fuel consumption, and are simply more efficient. Even more interesting is that lighter cars are more environmental friendly. Also – and most importantly – as cars become lighter, they reduce fuel consumption and use less steel to reach fuel efficiency standards.

The less steel in cars, the better! As illustrated by the 2014 Paris Motor Show, manufacturers are moving toward economical and practical vehicles with low fuel consumption and close to zero emissions. Part of the new concepts of the cars of tomorrow take account lighter steel plates and the economic cycle of steel.

<Click here to read about “POSCO’s Advanced High Strength Steels In Renault ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car”>

It is rather interesting to see how various ways steel can be used as technology grows and industries develop. It will be even more interesting to see how steel will be incorporated into our lives in the future and even today.

Beyond Gasoline & Diesel, Iron as the Fuel Option for the Future
In the very near future, cars might run on iron. Despite the spotlight on iron as an alternative energy for the future, can you actually believe this could happen for real? Due to the rising gasoline prices and restricted fossil fuel, iron has been discussed as the potential energy resource in many laboratories. In 2005, Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States reported that metal fuels such as iron, boron and aluminum, can be developed for automobile transportation.

It might sound like a pie in the sky since the metal’s boiling point is much higher compared to the temperature of water coolant. The combustion temperatures of the metal fuels are high enough to burn down the entire vehicle. However, when nano-technology gets involved, it is a totally different story. That is, when iron particles are broken up into 50 nanometers, which is a size equal to one-thousandth of a human hair, only 250℃ is required to make the iron particles ignite.

Moreover, having a nature of green energy, iron nanoparticles hardly leave ashes after combustion and can re-produce fuels after many cycles of oxidation and reduction. Since ignition period of iron nanoparticles only last for 0.01 ~ 0.2 second, it is impractical to be commonly used as transportation fuels at the moment. In recent year, however, a follow-up study on ‘clusters’ of iron nanoparticles to increase the burning time has been in progress. Besides, other metal fuels like aluminum are also in the active process of further research. Though it is only at a beginning stage, iron nanoparticles are expected to show promise as future fuels.

(reference:  POSRI https://www.posri.re.kr/eng/)

Innovation Goes On, Lighter Cars!

• A New-Born-Baby SUV, Ssangyong’s ‘Tivoli’

Lately, many auto-enthusiasts have been transfixed by ‘Tivoli’, SsangYong’s new compact crossover which was launched only a week ago. Surely, the spotlight comes from the fact that it is the first model to be developed ever since Indian industrial giant Mahindra Group’s takeover. However, that is not necessarily the only reason. It is also because POSCO’s automotive steel plates were applied to this small SUV. In order to reflect the trend of vehicle weight reduction, POSCO and Ssangyong shared a number of technical consultation process and finally applied POSCO’s advanced high-strength steel to 72% of the car’s body. You can set your expectations high on ‘Tivoli’!

• Lighter than Air, Renault’s Concept Car ‘EOLAB’

Making its debut in 2014 Paris Motor Show, Renault’s new concept car ‘EOLAB’ is the result of cooperation between POSCO and the European automaker. ‘EOLAB’ is known for its amazing fuel efficiency, traveling up to 100 km with only 1L of gas. This unbelievable level of efficiency was achieved by POSCO’s advanced high strength steel, which is known for its robust and lightweight quality. As the material minimizes the car body’s weight, the fuel economy enhances to its maximum! For more information on ‘EOLAB’, visit 2014 Paris Motor Show and POSCO #1: Advanced High Strength Steels in Renault’s Concept Car.

Introducing POSCO’s Global EVI Forum

EVI (Early Vendor Involvement) is an activity, initiated by finished vehicle companies, brings the key auto parts companies to participate in new model development projects. The POSCO EVI Forum, which started as a domestic auto market target event, has been developing into a global event where various industry fields and global client companies participate in; also expanding the contact points with POSCO’s clients in the meantime. Currently, the event is positioning as client-oriented marketing festival to strengthen business partnerships with customers, while facilitating interaction and exchange with potential global clients.

Presentations and Discussions of Six Major Industrial Programs

During the general session which also includes the opening ceremony on the 28^th, Remi Bastian, Renault’s head of research, advanced studies and materials, Sungho Park, POSCO’s Director of Research Center and Raghavan Ayer, SK innovation’s Science Advisor and Senior VP made presentations on industrial topics. Except for the opening ceremony and the general session, the discussions were arranged into six major industrial programs, including automobile, energy, shipbuilding, electricity, electronic, construction, stainless, and wire rod.

Each session’s presentation and discussion on ‘Steel Solution for Eco-friendly Vehicle of Now and Future’, and ‘Energy·Shipbuilding Solution for Client’s Best Value’ intensified the concentration and communication among clients and participants at the event. There were hosted discussions about industrial technology trends, followed by topic-based presentations. Noteworthy examples included a presentation on technology development designed to lighten the weight of automobiles that was undertaken by Volkswagen in Germany; the development of Hadfield steel LNG tanks from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering and the usage of wire rods in the marine industry by KISWIRE.

Also, the forum provided a special location to global clients of each session for technology consultation and purchase agreement, presentation and discussions. In fact, POSCO successfully established positive relationships with global clients through the technology consultation and sales agreement were proceeded for two days from the 27^th to the 28^th.

Focus on Renault’s ‘EOLAB’ of POSCO Chassis

As a rapid adaptation to the trend of European auto industry, Renault has recently introduced its hybrid concept car ‘EOLAB’ (a compound of the Greek god of wind ‘Aeolus’ and the English word ‘laboratory’) which contains POSCO’s steel products. Therefore, the unique technologies of POSCO were praised, including its lightweight· high strength products, which were used in the ‘EOLAB’ prototype. Other noteworthy additions included POSCO’s magnesium plating and PosM Steel, which received much attention from global client companies.

As a result, POSCO was able to sign various technology agreements and sales contracts during the automobile session which is one of the six industrial programs at the forum. Also, POSCO pursued a long-term cooperation with domestic and global companies of the finished vehicle and key auto parts at the same session of the forum. Moreover, POSCO agreed on technology cooperation and joint marketing activities with key domestic and global client companies for shipbuilding, construction, electronic appliance and wire rod.

Creating Successful Partnership through POSCO’s Solution Marketing

Also, this year’s forum has acquired a favorable comment by creating a special counter for POSCO’s solution business introduction and registration for the clients’ request on solution development. Even after the 2014 Global EVI Forum, POSCO promises to continue to seek for practical approaches to the customer value creation. Also, POSCO will further reinforce its growth foundation with clients by amplifying the solution marketing not only to domestic clients but also to distinguished global client companies.

In the next episode of our global blog’s Global EVI Forum series, we will introduce the in-depth explanations of each forum session and interviews with our client companies. So, please stay tuned with us!

Do you remember Renault’s concept car, ‘EOLAB’ which was showcased at the 2014 Paris Motor Show and introduced in the previous series of our global blog? Running 100km with only 1L of fuel, this amazing car ‘EOLAB’ contains POSCO’s light vehicle steel plate. POSCO and Renault collaborated in the ‘EOLAB’ development project in order to lead the way of vehicle weight reduction throughout the automobile industry. Let’s take a look at an interview with the two key contributors of the ‘EOLAB’ project, Shin, Seung-jun, the Manager of Steel Solution Center and Dr. Lee, Hong-woo, the Principal Researcher of POSCO.

How Do You Feel About Promoting ‘EOLAB’ At The Paris Motor Show As A Partner Of Renault?

Dr. Lee: This year’s Paris Motor Show was a great opportunity to show the excellence of POSCO’s technology to the world. I believe that it was exceptionally special because the collaboration represented Renault’s firm trust in POSCO. Also, through this project, POSCO and Renault signed additional agreement to co-develop light vehicle body and automobile chassis solution for the next generation. Therefore, we are looking forward to establish the full range of EVI network in the upcoming future.

△(Left) Kim, Ji-yong, the head of POSCO Steel Solution Center, (Right) Remi Bastien, the head of research, advanced studies and materials at Renault

Manager Shin: As I participate in the project, I was able to experience the power of POSCO’s solution marketing. It seems that POSCO was able to create the positive results with its exceptional behavior to bestow devotion even to small components while supplying materials and application technology. I hope that this project could set an example for POSCO EVI activity and solution marketing so that it could contribute to the expansion of POSCO’s prospective relationships with client companies.

We Heard That The Worldwide Media Had Shown Their Strong Interests At The POSCO Booth. How Was The Overall Response Of The Press?

Manager Shin: During the promotion period, 103 journalists from 26 different countries had visited our booth and showed their fervent interests. They were especially interested in POSCO’s weight reduction materials. So, we displayed several cylinders of same volume but with each different steel materials so that they could take a closer look at our weight reduction materials. The journalist at our booth displayed interest in the weight difference of each cylinders. It was definitely an important opportunity to draw spectators’ attention to POSCO’s steel materials.

Could You Describe The Development Process Of The Spotlighted ‘EOLAB’?

The relationship between POSCO and Renault goes far back. In 2012, POSCO had signed a joint development agreement with Renault-Samsung. This year, POSCO participated in the ‘EOLAB’ production project with the French automaker, Renault. To be honest, there were quite many differences working with the local staffs of Renault due to the language and geographical difference between France and Korea.

However, these problems were easily solved as Dr. Lee flew to Paris for long-term stay during the project. Although Dr. Lee and I were far apart, our teamwork was more than excellent. As Dr. Lee collect VOC of Renault and send it to Korea, our research team and I would build upon the given data and suggest a solution to Renault. As you might know, there is a seven-hour time difference between Korea and France. I used to call Dr. Lee in Paris 4PM every day to check our work process and put plans into practice.

We Heard That There Was A Special Tip To Improve Job Performance. Could You Share The Tip With Us?
Dr. Lee: The cooperation with Manager Shin could be defined with two keywords: ‘Trust’ and ‘Conservation’. Manager Shin trusted me in terms of technical aspect and I trusted him with specific process management in return. I believe that this mutual trust contributed to ‘speed-up’ aspect which was one of the expectations and demands of Renault.

In fact, one of the aspects that I am proud of, is the ‘One-day feedback’ system. As Renault passed the VOC and other related issues to Manager Shin in the morning (afternoon in Korea), the Korean staff held an urgent meeting and were able to receive POSCO’s official response in less than 24 hours. I am sure that this timely reaction had a big part in the POSCO-Renault trust-building process.

Did you enjoy the stories of the key members of POSCO automotive steel plate EVI activity? The duo of Manager Shin and Dr. Lee really showed us a great harmony despite of distance and time difference. Until POSCO’s automotive steel plate is applied to every global automobile companies, POSCO markers will continue their efforts to expand POSCO’s presence in the worldwide spectrum.

]]> https://newsroom.posco.com/en/2014-paris-motor-show-posco-1-lightweight-steel-plates-renaults-concept-car/ Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:24:33 +0000 2014 Paris Motor Show
2014 Paris Motor Show is one of the biggest events in the automotive calendar. This event takes place every two years and attracts over 1.2million visitors. About fifty new models and concept cars unveiling at this ongoing event, the halls at this year’s show are packed with lavish stands hosting the best new production and concept cars that the manufacturers can muster their unique styles. The exhibitors of the show include Audi, Citroen, Hyundai, Honda, Infiniti, Maserati, Renault, Porsche and more.

Concept Cars At This Year’S Show

(Citroen DS Divine, Copyright @Mondial de l’Automobile)

Just as every other international auto show, this year’s concept cars are attracting the audience from the practical and economical cars that are displayed on the show floor. Although the concept cars will never get to the production stage, many people find it fascinating to experience the unprecedented ideas of cars. To introduce some of the impactful designs among the plenty of concept cars on display, the Infiniti Q80 Inspiration suggested a horizon-looking outer structure that is “aggressively proportioned”. Also, Citroen DS Divine provided a design covered with diamond shapes and gemstones. Although the production viability of these cars is extremely low, it is always fun to visually experience the dream cars in real life.

Renault Unveils Its ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car

Among the numerous concept cars at the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Renault, the French automaker, also unveiled a hybrid concept car called the ‘EOLAB’. The ‘EOLAB’ is claimed an ultra-low fuel economy of 100Km/l while producing as low as 22gm of CO2 per Km. The most favorable features of this prototype are the A.E. Hybrid technology which brings ultra-low fuel consumption and zero emissions, the refined aerodynamics, and the lightweight body construction.

Another reason why people say that the ‘EOLAB’ is a cleverly designed car is in its composition:  three pillars with light-weight magnesium roof, aluminum doors, and thermoplastic bonnet. Unfortunately, Renault isn’t planning on actually manufacturing the model for sale. However, they reckon that nearly most of the concepts in the ‘EOLAB’ will be possible for production by 2020 or sooner.

POSCO’s Advanced High Strength Steels In Renault ‘EOLAB’ Concept Car
As mentioned above, the ‘EOLAB’s one of the greatest strength is in its lightness. POSCO contributed to lightening the car body by applying new steel grades in the development project of ‘EOLAB’, such as 900PosM Steel, 2000HPF steel, and magnesium (Mg) panel Moreover, POSCO carried out a variety of solution marketing activities, such as participating in the production of demo car components. In particular, POSCO`s magnesium panel was used on the roof of a vehicle weighing approximately 10kg, thereby reducing the roof weight down to around 4.5kg.

In this ‘EOLAB’ concept car project, Renault`s five partners cooperated along with Michelin and Faurecia. With all other project members being European companies, and the fact that POSCO is the only steel producing company to be part of it, POSCO has shown itself to be acknowledged for its leading technological competencies in the advanced European automobile market.

We will continue to post more stories about the world automobile industry and POSCO’s involvement in various automobile productions. Please stay tuned with us until the end of 2014 Paris Motor show!