ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India has launched Zagnelis® Protect, a premium Zinc–Aluminium–Magnesium coated steel brand designed for high-performance automotive applications.
The product, already proven across European markets, marks a first-of-its-kind manufacturing capability in India. Until now, steel products with comparable technological capabilities and quality were entirely imported. With its domestic launch from Chennai, AM/NS India aims to strengthen its technology leadership while supporting the localisation of advanced automotive steel.
Zagnelis® Protect is designed to help automotive manufacturers improve durability, performance, safety and manufacturing consistency, while benefiting from shorter lead times, consistent quality and improved supply assurance.
The initial application will be in motor cups, critical enclosures for direct-current motors used in vehicle windows, mirrors, wipers and seats. With each car using around 20–30 such motors, the product is positioned to deliver immediate value in automotive component manufacturing.
Around 8–10% of critical automotive steel grades used in India are currently imported, largely because of coating and metallurgical complexity. The localisation of advanced coated steels is therefore expected to support India’s growing automotive manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependence on imports.
Ranjan Dhar, Director & Vice President – Sales & Marketing, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, said the launch reflects the company’s commitment to advancing India’s automotive manufacturing capabilities through high-quality and high-performance steel solutions. He added that making the import-substitute product available domestically will help automotive companies meet global standards while contributing to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
Zagnelis® Protect offers high corrosion resistance, self-healing protection, drawability and weldability. Its corrosion resistance is particularly beneficial in areas such as cut edges, hem flanges and formed sections, where automotive components can be more vulnerable to corrosion.
Beyond motor cups, the steel is engineered for a wider range of automotive applications, including chassis parts, door inner panels, hood or bonnet inner panels and decklid or tailgate inner panels.
The launch forms part of AM/NS India’s broader strategy to indigenise advanced steel solutions in India. It follows the domestic introduction of ArcelorMittal’s patented Magnelis® and Optigal® products for renewable energy, infrastructure, roofing, cladding and architectural applications.
These initiatives are also aligned with AM/NS India’s broader ₹60,000-crore expansion project at Hazira, which includes upstream, downstream and enabling infrastructure to support next-generation automotive and value-added steel manufacturing.
The launch of Zagnelis® Protect strengthens AM/NS India’s focus on developing advanced, locally manufactured steel solutions for India’s expanding automotive industry while supporting supply-chain efficiency and the country’s ambitions for globally competitive manufacturing.
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