
Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, showcased its new and innovative zinc die casting alloy product range, HZDA 3 and HZDA 5 (Hindustan Zinc Die Casting Alloy), at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The company presented an extensive portfolio of high-quality zinc products designed for the automotive sector, alongside lead, silver, and value-added products, specifically tailored for the automotive and mobility industries at this global event.
Zinc plays a crucial role in the automotive sector, particularly through galvanized steel, which enhances fuel efficiency and reduces emissions by providing exceptional corrosion resistance to lightweight steel bodies (BIW or Body-In-White). This ensures vehicles are durable, long-lasting, and come with extended anti-perforation warranties against corrosion. Hindustan Zinc’s Zinc Die Casting Alloys, specially developed for the hot chamber die casting process, are designed to meet the evolving demands of the automotive industry. Known as ZAMAK in the market, Hindustan Zinc is the leading domestic producer of these alloys, which are typically imported. The company’s Die Casting Alloys offer outstanding castability, long-term dimensional stability, fast machining, and superior finish for plating, painting, and chromate treatments. Both HZDA 3 and HZDA 5 deliver enhanced strength, electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and dimensional tolerance, making them ideal for automotive applications. Hindustan Zinc’s entry into high-quality die-casting alloys provides an opportunity for automotive OEMs and component manufacturers to reduce dependence on imports and foster a robust domestic value chain.
Another big draw at the event was Hindustan Zinc’s low-carbon ‘green’ zinc branded ‘EcoZen’ that has 75% lower carbon footprint compared to conventionally produced zinc that can result in a total carbon emission avoidance of about 400 kgs in galvanizing one tonne of steel with EcoZen.
The company’s product range also includes lead, which is vital for automotive batteries, components and radiation shielding while silver enhances conductivity and efficiency in automotive electronics, including switches and relays. As the auto industry transforms with localization, electrification and stricter emissions regulations, domestically produced zinc, lead and silver present sustainable, high-performance solutions for the future.
Sharing his thoughts, Arun Misra, CEO and Whole-time Director, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “The automotive industry is at the forefront of shaping a sustainable future, and Hindustan Zinc is proud to be a partner in this journey. We are committed to delivering innovative, high-quality solutions that not only meet but exceed the industry’s expectations. Our vast product portfolio will play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, sustainability, and design excellence in automotive manufacturing. We are excited to showcase our diverse metals at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025, a platform that mirrors our vision of co-creating a future beyond boundaries.”
Recent trends indicate a significant change in preferences of Indian car buyers who are actively seeking ‘corrosion-free’ or anti-perforation warranties from auto manufacturers, specifically offering rust-protection in addition to protection against cosmetic paint fading and peeling. Globally, cosmetic warranties typically last five years, and anti-perforation warranties extend up to ten years, necessitating the use of galvanized (zinc-coated) steel in car bodies. This shift is driven by visible rust on vehicles as early as within the first few months to 2 years of purchase, especially in India’s harsh weather conditions where cars are parked outdoors, exposed to the elements.
Using zinc-coated steel for auto bodies (Body-In-White or BIW) is the most effective solution against rapid corrosion for which Hindustan Zinc’s Special High-Grade Zinc (SHG) is an industry best-seller. Post-purchase paint or anti-rust treatments are inadequate for long-term protection, often chipping and exposing the steel to rust. Therefore, adequate corrosion protection in vehicles is becoming essential to meet evolving consumer expectations and international standards. Galvanized car bodies account for less than 0.1% of the selling price, which are quickly offset by optimised manufacturing processes by OEMs, reduced maintenance expenses by the customer and enhanced brand reputation due to superior vehicle safety and performance.
Nearly 70% of Indian cars manufactured for exports use zinc coated steel (galvanised or galvannealed steel) due to international quality standards. However, only about 25% of cars meant for Indian consumption use zinc-coated steel. Even in these, the amount of coated steel used may be about 3% to 50%, while for export models the body may be 70-80% zinc protected. Rust-protection of cars is soon becoming imperative for the discerning Indian car buyer.
Hindustan Zinc has been a long-time upstream partner to the auto industry, providing a diverse metal portfolio for various applications, from car bodies to batteries, chips, accessories, and most-importantly corrosion-resistant components. The company’s comprehensive portfolio of value-added zinc products is tailored for the Indian automotive sector, providing cost-effective solutions that meet performance, quality, and safety requirements.
Hindustan Zinc is focused on a ‘customer-first’ approach to product innovation. The company’s Customer Technical Services team works closely with customers to provide a seamless experience. Committed to providing topmost quality products, the company’s zinc and lead products are the first in the country to be verified by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), along with ISO and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) certifications for quality. Additionally, the company also has REACH certification for exporting its products to Europe.