1. Joint study of auto body structure with Japanese automotive industry
Kobe Steel, voestalpine, and the Japanese automotive industry plan to conduct a joint study on steel auto body structures. The optimum application of high strength steel sheet would contribute to developing innovative body structures to reduce vehicle weight and improve collision safety. デュエルビッツ 登録ddition to using simulations, the companies plan to manufacture test pieces.

2. Joint research on advanced high strength steel sheet
Both Kobe Steel and voestapline Stahl have agreed to work on the joint development of advanced high strength steel sheet. This material is anticipated to be used in increasing amounts デュエルビッツ 登録utomotive parts. Exchanging information in process design and manufacturing process technologies, the two companies plan to jointly develop high strength steel sheet with outstanding properties for use デュエルビッツ 登録utomotive parts.

3. Personnel exchanges at steelworks
Both companies have already begun personnel exchanges in steel sheet operations. デュエルビッツ 登録ddition to steelmaking, new exchanges are anticipated in the areas of equipment maintenance and stable operation. Information exchanges on environmental issues at the steelworks is another field for future consideration by the two companies.

Through these cooperative initiatives, the two companies aim to further promote solution marketing activities through developing high strength automotive steel sheet.

Profile of voestalpine

voestalpine AG

Head office:	Linz, Austria
Established:	1993
Chairman:	Franz Struzl
Crude steel:	5.4 million metric tons
Employees:	17,129
2001/2002 Sales:	EUR 3,353.7 million (389 billion yen)

(Figures are for year ended March 2002, 1 euro = 116 yen)

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voestalpine Stahl GmbH

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Head office:	Linz, Austria
Chairman:	Wolfgang Eder
Major products:	Hot and cold-rolled sheet, hot dip, electrogalvanized and organic coated sheet, heavy plate, others
Crude steel:	4.4 million metric tons
Employees:	6,900

(Figures are for year ended March 2002)