May 18, 2022 - The American Iron and Steel Institute awarded the “Automotive Excellence Award” to Ford Motor Company for their advancedhigh-strength steel innovations in the all-electric 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E. The award was presented by John Catterall, vice president of AISI’s automotiveprogram, at the 20th annual Great Designs in Steel (GDIS) in-person symposium at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI.
Mark Mikolaiczik, formerly a North American engineering body exterior chiefengineer at Ford, received the award for his GDIS 2021 presentation, titled “Mustang Mach-E.”
Ford developed a platform to capture the spirit and performance of the Mustangbrand while offering an all-new driving experience through an electric all-wheel drive (eAWD). The vehicle also provides excellent occupant and storage space. The application of AHSS, which represents more than 50 percent of this body’sstructural weight, allows for optimal strength- to-weight that delivers outstanding safety ratings with an exciting driving dynamic. While the overall vehicle weight increased by 36 percent because of electrification, that led to the development of unique body load path solutions and the use of Martensite 1700 MPa steel to meet crash requirements and protect the battery system.
“Automotive Excellence Award winners use AHSS in applications to provide thebest value for consumers while also improving vehicle performance, range and sustainability,” said Catterall. “Steel is driving innovation, and Mike and the Fordteam are a great example of the capability of incorporating these next generation steel grades in electric vehicles.”
The AISI Automotive Excellence Award is presented each year at GDIS. Individualsor teams from automakers, suppliers or the academic community who have revolutionized the industry and made significant contributions to the advancement of steel in the automotive market. Award winners are chosen from presenters at the previous year’s GDIS seminar.
Candidates are rated in several categories, including: challenges and benefitsassociated with cost, mass reduction and performance, overall contribution to the advancement of steel and implementation in production.
