Baosteel has announced that as of next year its auto sheets will be applied in 37 auto parts in two Mercedes-Benz models produced by Beijing-Benz DaimlerChrysler Automotive Co. (BBDC).
Although Mercedes-Benz models are produced on production lines in China, all the auto parts are still imported from abroad. However, following the technical agreement Baosteel signed with BBDC at the beginning of this year, die tests have been conducted for 22 items produced by Baosteel for the W204 model and 15 items produced for the V212 model. From March to December 2008, die tests were conducted in stages at Tianjin Motor Dies Company and Ogihara. The test results indicated that Baosteel's auto sheet indexes including stamping properties met the requirements for the two Mercedes-Benz models.
If further technical tests carried out by BBDC run smoothly, Baosteel is expected to supply auto sheets to the automaker in the first half year of 2009.