ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has launched Zagnelis Protect, a premium Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium coated steel brand designed for high-performance automotive applications, marking the introduction of a first-of-its-kind manufacturing capability in India.
The company said the patented coating technology, already proven across European markets, will help reduce dependence on imports for advanced automotive steel grades while strengthening India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem.
The product was unveiled in Chennai in the presence of key automotive customers.
Localising advanced automotive steel
Until now, steel products with comparable technological capabilities and quality standards were largely imported into India. With the launch of Zagnelis Protect, AM/NS India has become the first company to manufacture and offer a premium Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium coated steel brand for automotive applications in the domestic market.
The development comes as automotive manufacturers increasingly seek durable, corrosion-resistant and high-performance materials to meet evolving domestic and global quality standards.
Designed for critical automotive applications
The initial application of Zagnelis Protect will be in motor cups, which are critical enclosures used in direct-current motors that power vehicle windows, mirrors, wipers and seats.
With every passenger vehicle typically incorporating 20 to 30 such motors, the product is expected to deliver immediate value through enhanced durability and performance.
The company said the coating technology offers superior corrosion resistance, self-healing protection, excellent drawability and reliable weldability, making it suitable for a wide range of automotive applications.
Supporting automotive competitiveness
ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, Director & Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Ranjan Dhar, said, “This marks a significant step towards supporting a globally competitive automotive ecosystem. We are expanding our portfolio of value-added steel solutions in line with our brand promise, ‘Smarter Steels, Brighter Futures’.”
He added, “As India focuses on technology-led automotive manufacturing, access to advanced steel becomes critical. Supported by the unparalleled technology and expertise of our parent companies, ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, we are making this world-class, import-substitute product available domestically. This will enable automotive companies to meet global standards while contributing meaningfully to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.”
Addressing import dependence
According to the company, around 8-10% of critical automotive steel grades used in India continue to be imported due to coating and metallurgical complexities.
With India producing more than 30 million vehicles annually across segments and emerging as a major automotive manufacturing and export hub, local availability of advanced coated steels is expected to play a key role in supporting future industry growth.
AM/NS India said domestic production of Zagnelis Protect will help improve supply chain efficiency, ensure consistent quality and reduce lead times for automotive manufacturers.
Wider applications beyond motor cups
While the initial focus is on motor cups, Zagnelis Protect has been engineered for broader automotive applications, including chassis components, door inner panels, hood or bonnet inner panels and decklid or tailgate inner panels.
Globally, Zagnelis Protect coatings are recognised for delivering significantly higher corrosion resistance than conventional galvanised steel coatings, particularly in cut edges, formed areas and hem flanges that are most vulnerable to corrosion.
Part of broader localisation strategy
The launch is aligned with AM/NS India’s strategy of indigenising advanced steel solutions for key industries.
It follows the company’s introduction of patented steel products such as Magnelis for renewable energy and infrastructure applications and Optigal for roofing, cladding, pre-engineered buildings and architectural projects.
The localisation initiatives form part of AM/NS India’s Rs 60,000-crore expansion programme at Hazira, which includes investments in upstream and downstream facilities as well as enabling infrastructure to support next-generation automotive and value-added steel manufacturing in India.