Kobe Steel to Supply Nissan with Green Aluminum for Extrusion and Suspension Products

Kobe Steel, Ltd. has unveiled its decision to incorporate green aluminum materials into its aluminum extrusion and suspension products supplied to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for their mass-produced vehicles intended for the Japanese and North American markets, commencing in fiscal 2024. The company is also contemplating the extension of this initiative to mass-produced vehicles for the European market.

The introduction of green aluminum materials will encompass various components such as aluminum bumper reinforcements, door guard bars, and suspension parts, complementing the aluminum sheet products already supplied to Nissan. Notably, approximately 10% of the weight of Nissan's vehicles consists of aluminum parts, which play a crucial role in reducing CO2 emissions throughout the vehicles' lifecycle.

The Kobe Steel Group, also known as the Kobelco Group, is committed to advancing initiatives aimed at curbing CO2 emissions. This endeavor involves integrating its distinctive and diverse businesses, technologies, and human resources to pave the way for a carbon-neutral society in the future.

Kobe Steel, Ltd., known in Japanese as Kabushiki Gaisha Kobe Seikosho, was founded on September 1, 1905, and formally incorporated on June 28, 1911. With a capital of JPY250.9 billion as of March 31, 2023. Employing a workforce of 38,488 individuals in consolidated roles and 11,368 in non-consolidated positions, Kobe Steel operates with a vast network of subsidiaries and affiliated companies, numbering 202 and 49 respectively, as of March 31, 2023. Kobe Steel, Ltd. operates through its Overseas Regional Headquarters and Offices, which include Kobe Steel USA Inc., serving as its U.S. headquarters. In China, the company is represented by Kobelco (China) Holding Co., Ltd., functioning as both the China headquarters and an investment entity, along with its Guangzhou Branch. Further expanding its presence, Kobe Steel has established Kobelco South East Asia Ltd. as the regional headquarters for Southeast Asia and South Asia. Additionally, Kobelco Europe GmbH serves as the regional headquarters for Europe and the Middle East, facilitating the company's global reach and operations.

Kobe Steel, Ltd. provides a wide array of products tailored to meet the needs of various industries and applications. These include steel sheet, aluminum plate, wire rods, and bars, providing essential materials for construction, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Additionally, the company manufactures steel plates, steel casting, and forgings, ensuring high-quality components for infrastructure and machinery. Kobe Steel also specializes in titanium and copper sheet and strip, serving the needs of advanced technology and electrical equipment industries. Furthermore, the company produces steel powder, contributing to the development of additive manufacturing and powder metallurgy processes. With its comprehensive product portfolio, Kobe Steel remains committed to delivering innovative solutions and meeting the evolving demands of global markets.