STYLING IMAGES UNVEILED FOR STEEL’S ADVANCED VEHICLE CONCEPTS PROGRAMME

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STYLING IMAGES UNVEILED FOR STEEL’S ADVANCED VEHICLE CONCEPTS PROGRAMME
12 June 2000 - Corus Automotive

Designs reveal two family-orientated vehicles from a single engineering platform

Panel lines cut to reflect advantages of underlying high-tech structural features
Styling confirms vehicle safety and aerodynamic efficiency as design priorities
Styling images released by the steel industry’s $10m (£6m) Advanced Vehicle Concepts programme reveal two vehicles – a 2-door hatch and larger 4-door family saloon – both with a distinct family appearance.

The styling designs for the ULSAB-AVC project confirm the importance of vehicle safety, material conservation (lightweighting) and aerodynamic efficiency as priorities in the design of the ULSAB-AVC vehicle family. Panel lines have been cut to reflect advantages of the high strength structural features underlying the surface, while moderate curves have been employed to reduce excessive use of material. The streamlined surfaces and rear bumper, which incorporates an aerodynamic outlet, help to improve the airflow for improved fuel efficiency.

Uniquely, ULSAB-AVC styling has the tricky problem of giving prominence to the global steel industry’s initiative, but without detracting from the programme focus on advanced technology, new manufacturing processes and the latest high strength steels. For example, the grille and front face have purposely been left very simple since a major factor in brand identity for carmakers comes from the drama in the grille and front-end design. In this way carmakers can visualise ULSAB-AVC styling in the context of their own unique front-end identity.

Styling images unveiled for steel’s Advanced Vehicle Concepts programme/2

According to the programme’s latest ‘technical transfer dispatch’ (regular communiqués that keep key contacts within the automotive industry fully informed about the ULSAB-AVC programme) styling not only has a major influence on safety and aerodynamics, but also in the whole development of vehicle design - including vehicle components, body structure, packaging, electrics and even vehicle mass.

'This programme is focussed on total vehicle development, that is why styling is an essential part of the project’s development process,' said Frank Walker. Commenting on the styling elements of the AVC programme, he added: 'The overall styling objective was to design a family of vehicles that would be suitable for the year 2004 and beyond, but would not detract from the technology and steel materials. To offer advanced cost-efficient solutions, the styling pays particular attention to the efficient use of material. It also highlights the ability to develop a family appearance from one platform.'

About: Corus Automotive
Corus is one of the leading suppliers of steel products, services and technology to the automotive industry. A broad range of Corus steel from strip, engineering steels, special strip and tubes are used to make products that go into automotive applications including body-in-white, closures, chassis and suspension systems, powertrain, seats, safety systems and other components. Corus is committed to the global automotive industry, and, uniquely, combines its materials and vehicle engineering knowledge to respond cost-effectively to key drivers of importance to the sector, such as safety, fuel-efficiency, innovation and the environment. The Company actively supports supply chain initiatives that improve efficiency and enhance the value of steel used in automotive applications.

Corus Group Plc is one of the world's largest metal producers with an annual turnover of £8 billion and major operating facilities in the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Norway and Belgium. Corus' four divisions comprising Strip Products, Long Products, Distribution & Building Systems and Aluminium provide innovative solutions to the construction, automotive, packaging, mechanical engineering and other markets worldwide. Corus has 48,500 employees in over 40 countries and sales offices and service centres worldwide. Combining international expertise with local customer service, the Corus brand represents quality and strength.

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