The revelation in 2007 that there was no domestically-owned source of the high-strength steel used in armored vehicles and submarines also brought no policy changes.

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But even more important, Hyundai thinks it can gain a strategic advantage by using its own metallurgists to develop exclusive lightweight, high-strength steel alloys it needs to satisfy higher fuel economy standards.

FORBES: Hyundai Motor Revisits Henry Ford's Vision

Volkswagen said it strives to maintain a global standard for body strength, putting the same number of welds on the same models regardless of where they're produced, and using high-strength steel in Brazilian cars.

NPR: AP IMPACT: Cars Made In Brazil Are Deadly

Hot-stamped, ultra-high-strength steel for reinforcement of body structure.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Yet the car's body is 25% stiffer than its predecessor because key parts of the frame--like the center post that supports the car body during side collisions and the roof side rail that connects the sides of the roof--are made of ultra-high-strength steel created through a process called hot stamping.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The 2008 Ford Focus will use high-strength aluminum to replace steel in front-brake calipers.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Wheel manufacturing operations will continue with an additional investment of 10 million US dollars to allow production of 14-inch, high strength, light weight, steel wheels.

BBC: Ford letter to staff