New Mazda Atenza Incorporates High-Efficiency Crash Box

Mazda Motor Corporation (Mazda)'s new Atenza adopted high-efficiecy crash box which uses Sumitomo Metal Industries, Ltd. (Sumitomo Metals)'s steel materials and it is the first time the crash box is equipped with Mazda's vehicle.

Crash boxes absorb the energy produced in a collision and help make an automobile lighter and safer. Sumitomo Metals and Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd. jointly developed the world's best performing high-efficiency crash box in 2005. The impact resistance of the developed product is more than twice that of previous products. Going forward, the Company will aggressively market its high-efficiency crash boxes to Mazda for other vehicles and other automakers.

In order to win the leading reputation from customers, Sumitomo Metals will do more than just supply materials. The Company will also strengthen cooperation with customers to improve the added value of components used in automobiles and other applications. Going forward, Sumitomo Metals will satisfy cutomer needs by providing comprehensive solutions.

(Reference) High-efficiency crash boxes
Crash boxes are positioned at the tip of an automobile's front or rear side members (frames) to protect passengers in the event of a collision. A crash box folds like an accordion when there is a collision, efficiently absorbing the collision's energy.

High-effciency crash boxes have grooves that run parallel to direction of the crash axis, giving the boxes more than twice the impact resistance of conventional products. The enhanced impact resistance enables the use of thinner steel materials, making automobiles not only safe but also lighter.