The EU is a major force in the global road transport industry, manufacturing over a quarter of all vehicles (and almost a third of all passenger cars) produced worldwide. It provides jobs for millions of people across Europe. 

Steel is a vital component in car manufacturing; modern cars comprise around 60 % steel body and engine parts by weight. And these are not just everyday types of steel. Safety and environmental considerations mean that car manufacturers now use high-strength specialist steels to meet crash-worthiness and fuel- consumption targets. The European steel manufacturers work in partnership with the automotive industry to develop the high-performance steel and steel products needed to meet these ever tighter targets, and this partnership is reflected in the composition and activities of the ESTEP Focus Group.