But what makes AHSS special, anyway?

Over the years, steel production has been advancing, thanks to scientists and manufacturers who are constantly developing ways to make steel stronger. Now, Hyundai’s AHSS is known to be 10 percent lighter but twice as rigid as conventional mild steel. AHSS helps improve the vehicle’s control of the transfer of energy in the event of a collision. It redirects the force of an impact more effectively, increasing a motorist’s chances of surviving an accident. And despite being stronger, it is also lighter in weight thus improving fuel efficiency.

Carmakers all over the globe may have embraced the AHSS advantages for their cars, but the Hyundai Motor Group has made a name for itself with its own integrated steel works—made possible by Hyundai Steel, one of the world’s largest electric-arc furnace (EAF) steel producer. From investing in one of the most advanced steel production facilities in the world, to the actual spot welding, material handling, cutting, assembling, and sealing by robots, this is Hyundai’s way of ensuring a no-compromise approach when it comes to meeting the high standards set for their cars and for their steel.

Hyundai cars built with AHSS don’t shy away from crash tests—they even excel in them. Examples of these are the Hyundai Santa Fe (built with 68 percent AHSS and one of the best-sellers in the US and European markets) and the Hyundai Kona (built with 52 percent AHSS). Both the Santa Fe and the Kona boast of 5-star ratings from the European car safety performance program. Of course, there are anecdotal stories such as when a Tucson, made of 51 percent AHSS withstood the weight of a 4-ton container that tipped over and fell onto it.