In Britain…
Increasing use is being made of stainless steel for car trim and accessories. On the Austin 1800 for example, the hub covers and wheel trim, door light surrounds, rear light frames, parcel shelf rail and drip moulding finishers are all made of this material. One reason for the growing demand is the competitive price of stainless steel components.
Another important factor is that its high strength characteristics allow weight reductions to be made without any loss of rigidity. Also, it needs a minimum finishing after complex pressing operations, so labour costs are reduced considerably. New applications for stainless steel are constantly being sought. An obvious use currently under development is for bumpers where a saving of 25 per cent in weight as compared with conventional materials can be made without any sacrifice of strength or rigidity.
In the U.S.A.
Much of the bright work on 1964 and 1965 model cars is lustrous stainless steel. This attractive metal is the choice of automobile designers for the eye-catching mouldings which accent the styling and for wheel covers which must stand up to the daily abuse of gravel, stones and high pavements.
Stainless steel provides high strength and durability – even when subjected to the corrosive conditions of the Natal coastal belt.
…and in France
Citroen DS 19 – front bumper and flicker indicator in Uginox stainless steel.