AM/NS India Launches First Domestically Produced Premium Automotive Coated Steel

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) launched Zagnelis Protect on June 17, marking the first domestic production of a premium zinc-aluminium-magnesium (ZAM) coated steel brand for the automotive sector in India. The product, patented by ArcelorMittal and previously available only in European markets, was unveiled in Chennai in the presence of key automotive customers.

The launch addresses a longstanding gap in India's automotive supply chain. An estimated 8–10% of critical automotive steel grades used in the country are currently imported, owing to their coating and metallurgical complexity. With India producing over 30 million vehicles annually, and passenger vehicle sales reaching approximately 4.7 million units in FY2025–26, the company says domestic availability of advanced coated steels is becoming increasingly strategic.

Zagnelis Protect is designed to offer higher corrosion resistance than conventional galvanised coatings, particularly at cut edges and formed areas where components are most susceptible to degradation. The product also offers self-healing protection, strong drawability, and reliable weldability. AM/NS India says customers will benefit from shorter lead times, greater supply assurance, and improved quality consistency compared to imported alternatives.

The initial deployment is focused on motor cups — housings for direct-current motors used in windows, mirrors, wipers, and seats — with each vehicle typically incorporating between 20 and 30 such units. The product is also engineered for broader automotive use, including chassis components, door inner panels, and bonnet and tailgate inner panels.

Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President of Sales and Marketing at AM/NS India, said the launch was aligned with the company's strategy of indigenising advanced steel solutions and supporting India's automotive sector in meeting global manufacturing standards.

Zagnelis Protect is the third patented product from ArcelorMittal that AM/NS India has brought to domestic production, following Magnelis for renewable energy and infrastructure, and Optigal for roofing and architectural applications. The launches form part of the company's broader ₹60,000-crore expansion at its Hazira facility in Gujarat, which includes investment in upstream and downstream infrastructure for next-generation steel manufacturing.

AM/NS India is a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, with a current crude steel capacity of nine million tonnes per annum. The company is also developing an 8.2 million tonne integrated steel plant in Andhra Pradesh.