Every January, leaders of the automotive industry gather in the Motor City for the Automotive News World Congress, the industry kick-off to the North American International Auto Show. During this year's three-day conference, executives explored the theme "What Lies Ahead," focusing on key issues, trends and strategies facing the industry in the coming year. 

A platinum sponsor of the 2014 conference, held Jan. 15-17 at the Marriot Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, ArcelorMittal was represented by its top North American automotive officials, joining nearly 1,200 industry professionals from around the globe. The event featured more than 20 industry speakers and an unparalleled opportunity to reach and hear from top-level decision makers. Highlights of the 2014 conference included remarks from Dan Akerson, retiring CEO of General Motors, as well as comments from top executives at BMW, Ford, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.

"It was extremely valuable to hear automotive executives express in their own words their thoughts about company initiatives and where they see the industry heading in the coming months and years," said Gregory Wells, director of NAFTA automotive sales, ArcelorMittal. "This was a great opportunity for us to network and interact with customers and other non-steel suppliers including steel service centers and tier one stampers."

Blake Zuidema, director of automotive product applications, ArcelorMittal, agreed. 

"Our team gained valuable insight on high-level trends in the automotive business, including vehicle light weighting, autonomous driving, vehicle connectivity and OEM-supplier relationships, which will help us formulate our strategy for the future," said Zuidema.

At the conclusion of the conference, sponsors and attendees had the opportunity to tour the North American International Auto Show during its industry preview day, before the show opened to the public. 

One highlight of the week included the "2014 North American Truck of the Year" award going to the Chevy Silverado, which features a significant amount of advanced high strength steel.

According to General Motors, about two-thirds of the Silverado's cab structure is made from high strength steels. The Silverado's updated frame, such as the main rails and major cross members, is high strength steel. The cab structures incorporate high strength steel in the A-pillars, B-pillars, roof rails and rocker panels, while ultra high strength steel is used in the rocker panels and underbody.

"ArcelorMittal is a proud supplier of advanced steel solutions for automakers, helping to provide safe, strong and sustainable vehicles that consumers have come to expect," said Wells. "It's an exciting time for ArcelorMittal as we collaborate with automakers to identify steel solutions that offer the optimal solution in balancing affordability, fuel efficiency, manufacturability and sustainability, without compromising safety."

To view comprehensive coverage of the Automotive News World Congress, click here. To view speaker presentations, click here. 

Be sure to follow the leader in steel for live tweets from future conferences - @ArcelorMittal or @ArcelorMittalUS.

Photos:
- ANWC booth - In January, ArcelorMittal sponsored the 2014 Automotive News World Congress, the industry kick-off to the North American International Auto Show. Blake Zuidema, director of automotive product applications, ArcelorMittal (far left) and other ArcelorMittal automotive executives had the opportunity to chat with attendees that stopped by the company's booth, explaining how our steel solutions help automakers meet 2025 fuel efficiency targets today.
- Silverado - The Chevy Silverado, which features a significant amount of advanced high strength steel, was named 2014 North American Truck of the Year at the Detroit auto show.

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