An interactive steel display is featured in the Ram exhibit at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. The exhibit was designed by the Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), in collaboration with Ram. The all-new 2019 Ram 1500 features extensive use of high-strength steel in the cab and frame.

According to Ram, this is the strongest 1500 to date, featuring more than 98 percent high-strength steel in the frame and 54 percent high-strength steel in the core body structure. The use of high-strength steel in the frame enables noise-, vibration- and harshness (NVH) reduction measures, weight savings of nearly 225 pounds and greater rigidity for improved handling and durability.

“With so much conversation surrounding mixed materials, we wanted to create an experience for attendees to demonstrate how steel, with its various grades and strengths is really a mixed material,” said Jody Hall, vice president of the automotive market for SMDI. “The inclusion of this display as part of the introduction of the all-new 2019 Ram 1500 showcases how steel provides engineers the right grade for the right application. The Ram is a great demonstration of how steel is driving automotive innovation with the truck’s capability, efficiency, durability and weight reduction.”

Included in the display are four panels featuring conventional steel, high-strength steel, advanced high-strength steel and ultra high-strength steel. Each removable panel is a different thickness and strength, helping demonstrate to attendees how various grades of steel can be applied to different areas of a vehicle for lightweighting, strength and occupant protection.

AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 20 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and approximately 120 associate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.