AM/NS India to end import dependency with new automotive steel lines

ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) plans to commission two automotive steel production lines at its Hazira plant in Gujarat this year. The facilities, a Continuous Galvanizing Line and a Continuous Galvanizing and Annealing Line, aim to reduce India's dependence on imported high-end automotive steel.

The new units, incorporating technology from parent companies ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, will produce steel with strength levels up to 1180 MPa in both coated and uncoated variants. The facilities will be part of the company's new Cold Rolling Mill 2 complex.

CEO Dilip Oommen said the expansion will enable domestic production of globally recognized steel products while increasing the company's market share in India's automotive sector. The development follows AM/NS India's introduction of Optigal and Magnelis products last year.

The company is currently showcasing its automotive offerings and Multi Part Integration solutions at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in New Delhi. The display includes components like next-generation door rings and battery packs designed for automotive manufacturers.

India's automotive steel demand currently stands at 7.8 million tonnes per annum for flat steel, with projected annual growth of 6-7%. The sector has traditionally relied on imports for specific high-end steel grades used in automotive manufacturing.

AM/NS India, established as a joint venture between ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, operates integrated steel manufacturing facilities in India. The company's expansion aligns with India's push for self-reliance in critical manufacturing sectors, particularly in specialized steel products for the automotive industry.

The automotive steel market in India has seen significant changes in recent years, driven by stricter safety standards and the transition to electric vehicles, which require specialized steel grades for components like battery enclosures and reinforced structures.