The Next Generation Vehicle Project was launched in 2004, with the objectives of improving sustainability in car manufacturing. This includes demonstrating that stainless steel can be used to reduce weight and cost, as well as to improve safety and sustainability in automotive systems.

During phase I, enabling technologies were developed, including virtual technology for existing and new materials. Phase II has been concerned with testing these data physically by performing extensive simulation testing. The project has entered phase III in 2007. Phase III will be concerned with preparing the car industry for transpositioning its production.