FORVIA unveils world's first carbon-free steel seat structure through pioneering partnership with SSAB

FORVIA, the world's 7th-largest automotive technology supplier, has unveiled the world premiere of a seat structure made from fossil-free steel, produced with a very low CO2 footprint, reduced by almost 90% compared to a traditional steel seat structure. This groundbreaking achievement, realized through a collaboration with leading Nordic-based steel manufacturer SSAB, marks a momentous stride towards sustainable innovation.

A greener automotive seat, from 2026

Emerging from the partnership forged in 2021, FORVIA and SSAB now materialize their common vision by manifesting the production of a revolutionary front seat structure. This avant-garde prototype positions FORVIA as the trailblazer in employing European green steel for its seats, with full-scale integration projected for 2026.

Mastering carbon footprint across the supply chain

This development represents an important step in the implementation of FORVIA's objective to reduce CO2 emissions in its supply chain (scope 3) by 45% in 2030, to reach net zero carbon on all its CO2 emissions by 2045.

Frank Huber, Executive Vice President of Seating, at FORVIA: "Steel is the backbone of our products and as such can make a significant contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. This world-first use of fossil-free steel in the manufacture of a front seat structure, a key vehicle component, shows that it is now possible to develop new automotive equipment compatible with today's environmental challenges, to reduce our impact on the climate, as well as that of our customers. This new development thus paves the way for a more sustainable transport and infrastructure system."

”SSAB’s partnership with FORVIA has truly reached the next level now that we can present results in the form of an actual product made with fossil-free steel;” says Thomas Hörnfeldt, head of sustainable business at SSAB. “At SSAB we want to help our partners decrease their carbon footprints while also continuing our own journey toward becoming fossil-free around 2030.”

Forged from iron ore, free from fossil fuels

Manufactured with precision within FORVIA’s Hanover R&D hub, the seat structure emerges, comprising the first-ever 1.5 mm thick parts for a total of 10 kg of steel. Across borders, the steel springs from the HYBRIT pilot plant in Luleå, where iron ore is reduced with hydrogen and fossil-free electricity instead of coking coal and other fossil fuels traditionally used to make steel.

In line with FORVIA's net-zero roadmap, up to 45% of the steel used by the Group will be low-carbon in 2030.