POSCO has developed the world's first 590 MPa class galvannealed steel sheets for automotive outer body panels. This steel sheet displays a significant increase in strength but is lighter in weight and more elegant in appearance than existing steel sheets.

This product, which can withstand a load of up to 60 kilogram per unit area, is 70% stronger than the commonly used 340 MPa class steel sheets for automotive body panels, with thinner gauge and improved dent resistance.

In order to produce high strength galvannealed steel sheets with excellent outer finish, POSCO has effectively organized and coordinated a close cooperative relationship between the departments; Automotive Steel Products Research Group, Automotive Steel Applications Research Group, Advanced High Strength Steel Project Dept., Gwangyang Surface Treatment Dept., and Automotive Flat Products Service Group since 2004. These departments have coordinated their efforts to developing automotive steel sheets, high performance pretreatment technology, and furnace condition control technology.

Also in 2006, POSCO completed the number 6 continuous galvanizing line specialized in automotive steel products in Gwangyang Steelworks, for producing high strength, high formability automotive steel products with excellent surface qualities.

The newly developed product, following a successful commercial production of the 490MPa class galvannealed steel sheets for automotive outer body panels in 2006, is expected to further reduce the weight of the automotive structures, increasing the fuel efficiency and reducing the CO2 emission, which will ultimately contribute towards the development of eco friendly vehicles.