Gasgoo Munich- Shougang Group and FAW Group have jointly developed and validated a new generation of hot-stamped automotive steel rated at 2.4GPa, marking a step forward in ultra-high-strength materials for vehicle structures, according to a post issued by Shougang Group via its WeChat account.
Image source: Shougang
The material is set to debut in critical safety components on upcoming Hongqi-branded models, underscoring FAW’s push to enhance passive safety performance in its premium lineup.
According to Shougang, the new steel achieves a balance between extreme strength, ductility, and resistance to hydrogen embrittlement—an ongoing challenge for advanced alloys. Compared with the widely used 2.0GPa-grade materials, components such as door intrusion beams built with the new steel deliver roughly 15% higher strength and more than 10% improvement in energy absorption during impacts. At the same time, the material enables a 5% to 10% reduction in component weight without compromising safety targets.
The development program involved coordinated engineering across the entire production chain, from alloy design to casting, rolling, and welding. To address casting challenges associated with high alloy content, Shougang refined its process controls to ensure stable large-scale output. Adjustments in rolling techniques helped overcome bottlenecks tied to forming ultra-high-strength products, while fine-tuning welding parameters improved joint integrity and load-bearing performance.
Shougang characterized the breakthrough as the result of close collaboration across the automotive supply chain. As electric vehicles place greater emphasis on both safety and efficiency, the adoption of 2.4GPa hot-stamped steel is expected to enhance occupant protection in severe crash scenarios while contributing to lightweighting. The latter is increasingly critical for EVs, where reduced mass translates into extended driving range and lower lifecycle emissions.
The joint effort between Shougang and FAW highlights a vertically integrated approach that links material innovation with vehicle-level application. By bridging upstream metallurgy and downstream automotive engineering, the partnership aims to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation high-strength steels in China’s evolving mobility sector.
