American Iron & Steel Institute

Yes, steel can be considered a designer material. At least the category known as "advanced high strength steel." It is being tailored to meet specific needs.

Here's a look at a study that was conducted by a committee of the American Iron and Steel Institute to determine whether steel could be used to create big, safe and light-weight sport utility vehicles and light trucks.

For the past few years, it seems like steel has become the dominant material of choice for automotive applications.Sure, there are exceptions to this.

Perhaps because steel has long been used in the auto industry, some engineers think that the material is old-hat, that different materials have to be used in order to develop vehicles that are lighter and so more fuel efficient. But 35 steel companies from 18 different countries are proving that steel is as high tech and as capable as anything available, and they're building a car to prove it. And, oh, by the way—steel is a whole lot more economical than the competition, too.