ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) has introduced Zagnelis® Protect, a premium Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium coated steel solution developed for advanced automotive applications. The launch marks a significant milestone for the domestic automotive manufacturing sector by bringing a globally proven coating technology to India for the first time and reducing dependence on imported specialty steel products.
Widely used across European automotive markets, Zagnelis® Protect is based on ArcelorMittal’s patented coating technology and is designed to deliver superior corrosion resistance, enhanced durability and improved manufacturing performance. With the introduction of this product, AM/NS India becomes the first company in the country to manufacture and supply a high-performance Zinc-Aluminium-Magnesium coated steel brand tailored specifically for automotive requirements.
The launch comes at a time when automotive manufacturers are increasingly seeking advanced materials that support higher quality standards, improved vehicle performance and long-term durability. By localizing production of this specialized steel, AM/NS India aims to provide automotive customers with shorter lead times, greater supply reliability and consistent product quality.
The initial application of Zagnelis® Protect will focus on motor cups, which serve as protective housings for direct-current motors used in automotive systems such as power windows, mirrors, wipers and seat adjustment mechanisms. Given that a typical passenger vehicle contains multiple such motors, the product is expected to create immediate value through improved corrosion protection and component longevity.
Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ranjan Dhar, Director and Vice President – Sales & Marketing, ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India, said, “The introduction of Zagnelis® Protect reflects our commitment to strengthening India’s automotive manufacturing ecosystem through innovative and high-performance steel solutions. As vehicle manufacturers increasingly align with global quality and performance benchmarks, access to advanced materials becomes critical. Through the technological expertise of ArcelorMittal and Nippon Steel, we are enabling domestic manufacturers to access world-class products while supporting import substitution and the broader vision of self-reliant manufacturing.”
Globally recognized for its exceptional corrosion resistance, Zagnelis® Protect provides enhanced protection at cut edges, formed areas and other locations that are particularly vulnerable to corrosion. The coating also offers excellent formability, reliable weldability and self-protective characteristics that contribute to improved component life and manufacturing efficiency.
Beyond motor cups, the product has potential applications across a wide range of automotive components, including chassis parts, door inner panels, hood inner panels and tailgate structures. These capabilities position the product as a versatile solution for next-generation vehicle manufacturing.
The launch forms part of AM/NS India’s broader strategy to expand domestic production of advanced value-added steel products. It also complements the company’s ongoing investments in manufacturing capacity and technology development aimed at supporting the future growth of India’s automotive and industrial sectors.
