Low-carbon steel is gaining momentum in automotive manufacturing
Download the Low-Carbon Steel Automotive Manufacturing Survey 2026 from Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, in partnership with SSAB, for new data on low-carbon steel adoption, purchasing priorities, carbon reporting, recycling targets and the challenges shaping the next stage of automotive decarbonisation.
Download the report below
Based on 307 responses from automotive OEMs, tier suppliers and design and engineering service providers worldwide, the survey reveals an industry moving from sustainability ambition towards practical implementation.
Low-carbon steel is becoming more established in automotive purchasing strategies, while recycling targets and sustainability considerations continue to gain ground. But challenges remain around cost, carbon-emissions tracking, availability and industry understanding.
The report provides automotive manufacturing leaders with a benchmark for understanding how adoption is progressing, where priorities are shifting and what needs to happen next.
Top three survey findings
1 – Low-carbon steel is moving further into the mainstream
Sustainability is now considered to some degree by 93% of respondents when choosing a steel supplier, while 71% said their company is at least moderately advanced in implementing low-carbon steel. The findings point to growing integration of low-carbon steel into automotive purchasing strategies.
2 – Internal carbon reduction strategies are driving adoption
39% of respondents identified internal net-zero or carbon-reduction commitments as a primary driver of their move towards low-carbon steel, ahead of brand and reputational considerations and customer or OEM requirements. Regulatory frameworks and ESG pressures are also influencing purchasing decisions.
3 – Recycling is advancing, but cost remains a barrier
The proportion of respondents with recycled-steel targets has risen from 46% in 2024 to 72% in 2026, showing clear progress towards greater circularity. At the same time, 41% identified cost effectiveness as a challenge to adopting low-carbon steel, alongside issues including supply, recycling limits, terminology and perceptions around performance.
Why this research matters
As automotive manufacturers work towards increasingly demanding carbon-reduction objectives, decisions around steel sourcing, embedded emissions and recycling are becoming more important.
The Low-Carbon Steel Automotive Manufacturing Survey 2026 gives OEMs, suppliers and other automotive stakeholders a data-led benchmark for comparing their progress with the wider industry. It also tracks how priorities have changed since the 2024 survey, providing insight into the areas where adoption is accelerating – and where further action, clarity and education are required.
