NanoSteel, a privately held company that makes proprietary nano-structured steel materials, announced this week that automotive visionary Bob Lutz has been appointed to the company’s Board of Directors.
Through the development of patented alloys, NanoSteel has created a new class of steel that allows automotive engineers and designers to reduce weight through the use of thinner, higher strength gauges while maintaining the structural integrity needed for safety. Its new steel design is an alternative to other light-weighting materials which may cost more, require new investment in parts production and have performance limitations.
“I have been deeply impressed with NanoSteel’s progress in sheet steel materials design,” said Lutz. “The company’s innovative approach has the potential to offer the most natural progression for automakers to stick with their most trusted material – steel – and at the same time enjoy exceptional properties that support the design of next-generation fuel-efficient vehicles. Additionally, the use of NanoSteel’s AHSS breakthrough could drive efficiencies across the supply chain by leveraging existing steel infrastructure and parts production.”
Bob Lutz is a legend in the auto business, having held executive positions at BMW, Ford, Chrysler and GM (where he oversaw the development of the Volt), and is the author of two bestselling books. He’s currently Chairman of VIA Motors, which builds extended-range electric versions of full-size pickup trucks, vans and SUVs.
“The appointment of Bob to our Board of Directors is extraordinarily positive for NanoSteel,” said David Paratore, the company’s president and CEO. “Bob’s commitment to the company is a testament to the unique opportunity that our nano-structured sheet steel solutions will bring to the automotive industry. Bob’s leadership in auto innovation is unparalleled and there is not a more proven leader today to help us propel our growth in automotive and hone our strategy moving forward.”