ABOUT SASFT

The Strategic Alliance for Fuel Tanks (SASFT) is an international alliance of companies specializing in the various areas of fuel tank production, possessing a common interest in the development, optimization and application of steel fuel tanks for automobiles. SASFT was organized by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) in 2000 to bring together the diverse business disciplines involved in designing, manufacturing and supplying steel fuel tanks in the automotive markets. SASFT's global reach recognizes that different business and technological issues impact the type of fuel tanks produced in different regions of the world. By understanding these issues, rational, optimized approaches can be fully deployed for steel fuel tanks.

Steel successfully addresses the permeability and affordability issues. Advances in materials, such as highly formable steels that allow for greater flexibility in the forming of complex shapes, and improved corrosion-resistance make steel attractive for fuel tanks. These materials, coupled with leading edge processes, including 3-dimensional welding and hydroforming, will enable the steel industry to continue to provide affordable, durable and environmentally sound products for its customers.

The following benefits apply to steel:

• Helps Meet the CARB Emission Standards
• Durable
• Cost Competitive
• 100% Recyclable
• Improved Design Flexibility

• Resistant to Hot Exhaust Gases
• Provides Thermal Stability
• Resists Gasoline Permeation
• Reduces Heat Build-up

To encourage further development of technologies and performance of steel fuel tanks, American Iron and Steel Institute organized an international multi-functional group of fuel system manufacturers, users, and material suppliers. The group is called the Strategic Alliance for Steel Fuel Tanks (SASFT) [pronounced sas-foot]. Among other things, SASFT is sponsoring a comprehensive corrosion test program, which includes 12 different steel systems (including pre-painted and post-painted low-carbon steels, as well as austenitic and ferritic stainless steel), to be conducted at ACT Laboratories in Hillsdale, MI. SASFT has embarked on this major corrosion test program to demonstrate in bench tests that several steel systems can meet the 15-year life requirement.

Steel Companies

ArcelorMittal Dofasco
ArcelorMittal USA
JFE Steel
Nippon Steel Corporation
Nisshin Steel
North American Stainless
Nucor Corporation
POSCO
Severstal North America Inc.
Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd.
ThyssenKrupp Stahl
United States Steel Corporation

Fuel System Manufacturers
Americas

Aethra Sistemas Automotivos
Allgaier Automotive GmbH
Dong Hee Industrial Co. Ltd.
Fuel Systems LLC
Martinrea International
Spectra Premium Industries
Unipart Eberspacher
Unipres Corporation

Material/Equipment Suppliers

Harley Davidson Engineering
Soutec Soudronic

Associate Members

Chrysler LLC
Ford Motor Company
General Motors Corporation
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.