The object
Thomas Kurz co-developed press-hardened zinc-coated automotive steel systems that retain high strength and corrosion resistance while enabling thinner, lighter components. Attribution remains team-level across the steel chemistry and forming process, with no claim that one researcher alone invented the entire product family.
What Thomas did
Co-developed zinc-coated press-hardened steel and associated manufacturing methods for lighter automotive components.
Why it matters
The technology supports lighter, crash-resistant body components manufactured at automotive scale.
Living-status check
A current 2026 professional profile identifies Kurz as a senior voestalpine Stahl researcher leading projects on high-strength and press-hardening steels; a 2024 patent publication independently names him as co-inventor of high-strength steel material.