Abstract: A method is provided for permanently joining a first metallic component that is formed from a 5000 series aluminum alloy material and a second metallic component that is formed from a steel alloy material. One of the first and second components is provided with a layer of an aluminum alloy material that is different from the 5000 series aluminum alloy material used to form the first and second metallic components, such as a layer of a 6000 series aluminum alloy material. The layer of the 6000 series aluminum alloy material can be provided as a coating on the selected one of the first and second components or in solid form. After the layer of the 6000 series aluminum alloy material can be provided on the selected one of the first and second components, the first and second components are secured together without the application of heat, such as by magnetic pulse welding, friction welding, and the like.