Japan Automakers Adopt Nippon Steel’s New Sheet for Fuel Tank

Nippon Steel’s Steel Sheet (Eco Coat-S) for automotive fuel tank is adopted by Japanese automakers. Overseas automakers such as General Motors are also examining to adopt Eco Coat-S. The demand is expected to expand both in Japan and overseas.Automotive fuel tank is made by resin or metal, 90% of European and 70-80% of US automotive tanks are said to be resin, while Japanese automakers adopt mainly metal fuel tank. Resin fuel tank is used by about 40% of Japanese makers. High corrosion resistance, complicated shapes, the expansion of interior content and weight saving are requested for automotive fuel tank.Metal tank can increase strengthening and save thickness. Nippon Steel had developed technology for commercial viability of new generation metal fuel tank. Eco Coat-S is adopted by GT-R of Nissan Motors. Nippon Steel put into practical use Eco Coat-S by the collaboration between development technology of Nippon Steel and processing technology of pressing makers.