AISI Joins in Unveiling of "My Other Car Is..." Concept Vehicles

This summer, design and engineering disciplines merged as students from College for Creative Studies (CCS) and University of Michigan (U-M) unveiled their remarkable automotive designs for the 18th annual American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) summer automotive design internship. This year's internship program broke new ground by introducing a real-world twist.

Three engineering students joined three transportation design students to produce exhilarating concept vehicles that targeted Generation X, Baby Boomers and the Millennial generation. These concept vehicles embody leading-edge steel technology utilizing a flexible platform.

"Developing future generations of cars and training the designers behind the concepts means incorporating advanced materials and safety technology into each design," Ron Krupitzer, vice president for AISI's Automotive Applications Committee (AAC) said. "AISI, together with CCS and U-M, are bringing tomorrow's designers and engineers together in this study to pioneer new steel ideas focused on today's various lifestyles and generations of buyers."

This summer the design students learned about the concerns of the engineers, and the engineers learned how to support new design ideas. As a result, the group's understanding and respect for each other's work was enhanced. The concepts evolved through two distinct perspectives to create a harmony of product concept and mechanics. Each student had the opportunity to collaborate in the production of a car and learn about the "rapid to market" concept.

Throughout the internship, AISI scheduled field trips for the students to demonstrate behind-the-scenes steelmaking and vehicle manufacturing. Field trips to steel mills, stamping plants, engineering facilities and design studios provided rare opportunities to witness the various production stages involved in creating a vehicle. With guidance from AISI steel-applications specialists and professional automotive designers, students learned the design and engineering potential of steel to increase their understanding of how to work with the material.

Perfection of design is reflected in a car's finish. Matrix System Automotive Finishes partnered with the CCS students to provide each student with a supply of paint. While touring the Matrix facility, the students gained insight into paint processing and quality control. Each model now boasts a custom-created paint finish.

"The AISI internship allows the students to experience working with flexible manufacturing processes and materials to meet the design requirements shaped by the automotive industry," Bryon Fitzpatrick, chairman of transportation design for CCS said. "Students gain a breadth of knowledge in new steel applications and incorporate design elements that can be used to meet future needs such as safety, affordability, and fuel efficiency."

Since 1989, the AISI/CCS interns have faced design challenges that range from visual appeal to versatility of application. But whether creating cars from movie themes or focusing on fuel containers, the students work toward one basic goal: using advanced steel technologies to design vehicles that are safe, affordable, fuel efficient and environmentally responsible. For more information, contact Deanna Lorincz.

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