Logistics performance measurement system for the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Dörnhöfer, Martin;Schröder, Falk;Günthner, Willibald A.

2017-01-01

Logistics can be seen as a key competitive factor in the automotive industry due to the rising number of model variants and options. With the increasing importance of logistics (Gunasekaran et al. in Int J Prod Econ 87(3):333-347, 2004), the evaluation of logistics effectiveness and efficiency is gaining increased attention. Logistics performance management (PM) is the key to quantifying the current state and improvement potentials within logistics. To account for the increasing importance of...

Making aerospace technology work for the automotive industry - Introduction

Science.gov (United States)

Olson, W. T.

1978-01-01

In many cases it has been found that advances made in one technical field can contribute to other fields. An investigation is in this connection conducted concerning subjects from contemporary NASA programs and projects which might have relevance and potential usefulness to the automotive industry. Examples regarding aerospace developments which have been utilized by the automotive industry are related to electronic design, computer systems, quality control experience, a NASA combustion scanner and television display, exhaust gas analyzers, and a device for suppressing noise propagated through ducts. Projects undertaken by NASA's center for propulsion and power research are examined with respect to their value for the automotive industry. As a result of some of these projects, a gas turbine engine and a Stirling engine might each become a possible alternative to the conventional spark ignition engine.

The Quantitative Analysis of Chennai Automotive Industry Cluster

Science.gov (United States)

Bhaskaran, Ethirajan

2016-07-01

Chennai, also called as Detroit of India due to presence of Automotive Industry producing over 40 % of the India's vehicle and components. During 2001-2002, the Automotive Component Industries (ACI) in Ambattur, Thirumalizai and Thirumudivakkam Industrial Estate, Chennai has faced problems on infrastructure, technology, procurement, production and marketing. The objective is to study the Quantitative Performance of Chennai Automotive Industry Cluster before (2001-2002) and after the CDA (2008-2009). The methodology adopted is collection of primary data from 100 ACI using quantitative questionnaire and analyzing using Correlation Analysis (CA), Regression Analysis (RA), Friedman Test (FMT), and Kruskall Wallis Test (KWT).The CA computed for the different set of variables reveals that there is high degree of relationship between the variables studied. The RA models constructed establish the strong relationship between the dependent variable and a host of independent variables. The models proposed here reveal the approximate relationship in a closer form. KWT proves, there is no significant difference between three locations clusters with respect to: Net Profit, Production Cost, Marketing Costs, Procurement Costs and Gross Output. This supports that each location has contributed for development of automobile component cluster uniformly. The FMT proves, there is no significant difference between industrial units in respect of cost like Production, Infrastructure, Technology, Marketing and Net Profit. To conclude, the Automotive Industries have fully utilized the Physical Infrastructure and Centralised Facilities by adopting CDA and now exporting their products to North America, South America, Europe, Australia, Africa and Asia. The value chain analysis models have been implemented in all the cluster units. This Cluster Development Approach (CDA) model can be implemented in industries of under developed and developing countries for cost reduction and productivity

New market strategies in the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Kokić Miljko

2006-01-01

Full Text Available The world automotive industry has about 30% of excessive capacity. Regardless of that, the new plants are being constantly built. The countries of the East Europe, China and India are selected as suitable areas by almost all world leading car manufactures to build their additional plants in order to make profits. An open world market is subject to an uncompromising striving for each customer. Our manufacturers have to meet the same requirements if want to offer their products in the world market. Finding out of foreign strategic partners is the fastest way to recover a domestic automotive industry and to increase an employment rate.

THE KEY ACTIVITIES OF GREEN LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT IN THE THAI AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

OpenAIRE

Thanyaphat Muangpan; Mana Chaowarat; Jutaporn Neamvonk

2016-01-01

Thai automotive industry needs to be developed for understanding activities management on inbound logistics that is an essential element of business operations for a manufacturing firm. The purpose of research is to study the main activities of green logistics management (inbound logistics) in the Thai automotive industry. Survey research was used in this study to collect data by sampling from the people in the field of logistics and environmental management of Thai automotive industry to exa...

Corporate brand positioning and differentiation in the luxury automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Kotiranta, V. (Ville)

2017-01-01

Abstract Global luxury automotive industry faces one of the most competitive and dynamic markets in the world. The focus of this research has been to discover the corporate strategies relating to competitive positioning and differentiation via brand personality. Both Aaker brand personality framework and specifically for this industry developed luxury automotive strategy framework are applied for content analysis data, whic...

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 7. Machine Tool Suppliers to the Automotive Industry.

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

An Elderly Employment Model For The Thai Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pornrat Sadangharn

2017-10-01

Full Text Available This research aims at studying an elderly employment model for the Thai automotive industry. Mixed methods with a sequential exploratory strategy were utilized. Grounded theory was employed by using in-depth interviews to investigate the characteristics of elderly employment in the Thai automotive industry. For this stage of the research, theoretical and purposive sampling was used to select 32 key informants from four groups of stakeholders: (1 elderly workers, (2 employers or human resource managers, (3 government officers, and (4 academics. The findings were then validated using a quantitative approach with structural equation modelling (SEM. A total of 308 elderly workers and human resource managers were surveyed regarding their opinion about elderly employment. Based on the survey, the elderly employment model in the Thai automotive industry, which is comprised of the approach to elderly employment, elderly employment preparation, and key success factors for elderly employment, was revealed to be a good fit. 

Financial Crises and Automotive Industry Development in Southeast Asia

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Doner, Richard F.; Wad, Peter

2014-01-01

The automotive industries of Southeast Asia have grown significantly but unevenly. Thailand has outperformed its neighbours in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines with regard to production and, most notably, export volumes. But the Thai auto industry has not exhibited the level of local...... (indigenous) technology capacity and input growth seen in South Korea, Taiwan and, increasingly, in China. The 1997–98 and 2008 financial and economic crises generally reinforced pre-existing national automotive strategies, but to different degrees: They strongly accelerated an earlier Thai move to exports...... whose very success weakened pressures for upgrading; encouraged more moderate automotive liberalisation in Indonesia and, to a lesser extent, in the Philippines; but promoted only minimal changes to Malaysia’s relatively protectionist national car strategy. The fact that the crises served more...

Flexible labour strategy in the Dutch automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

van Riemsdijk, Maarten; de Leede, Jan

2001-01-01

Labour flexibility is a major way for companies to become more flexible. Why companies use flexible labour relations varies widely per industry. We assess the development of labour flexibility within the Dutch automotive industry. Four cases, together representing the production chain, are

Lightweight Steel Solutions for Automotive Industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Hong Woo; Kim, Gyosung; Park, Sung Ho

2010-01-01

Recently, improvement in fuel efficiency and safety has become the biggest issue in worldwide automotive industry. Although the regulation of environment and safety has been tightened up more and more, the majority of vehicle bodies are still manufactured from stamped steel components. This means that the optimized steel solutions enable to demonstrate its ability to reduce body weight with high crashworthiness performance instead of expensive light weight materials such as Al, Mg and composites. To provide the innovative steel solutions for automotive industry, POSCO has developed AHSS and its application technologies, which is directly connected to EVI activities. EVI is a technical cooperation program with customer covering all stages of new car project from design to mass production. Integrated light weight solutions through new forming technologies such as TWB, hydroforming and HPF are continuously developed and provided for EVI activities. This paper will discuss the detailed status of these technologies especially light weight steel solutions based on innovative technologies.

A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Micheline J. Naude

2009-12-01

Full Text Available Purpose: This article explores the possibility of developing a distribution model, similar to the model developed and implemented by the South African pharmaceutical industry, which could be implemented by automotive component manufacturers for supply to independent retailers. Problem Investigated: The South African automotive components distribution chain is extensive with a number of players of varying sizes, from the larger spares distribution groups to a number of independent retailers. Distributing to the smaller independent retailers is costly for the automotive component manufacturers. Methodology: This study is based on a preliminary study of an explorative nature. Interviews were conducted with a senior staff member from a leading automotive component manufacturer in KwaZulu Natal and nine participants at a senior management level at five of their main customers (aftermarket retailers. Findings: The findings from the empirical study suggest that the aftermarket component industry is mature with the role players well established. The distribution chain to the independent retailer is expensive in terms of transaction and distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer. A proposed centralised distribution model for supply to independent retailers has been developed which should reduce distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer in terms of (1 the lowest possible freight rate; (2 timely and controlled delivery; and (3 reduced congestion at the customer's receiving dock. Originality: This research is original in that it explores the possibility of implementing a centralised distribution model for independent retailers in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a dearth of published research on the South African automotive component industry particularly addressing distribution issues. Conclusion: The distribution model as suggested is a practical one and should deliver added value to automotive

A Comprehensive Framework for Information Technology Governance and Localizing it for Automotive Industry of Iran (Case Study: ATLAS Automotive Holding

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohammad Mosakhani

2017-03-01

Full Text Available Due to the absence of a comprehensive framework for IT governance, the main objective of the study is to identify all components of IT governance and present them in the form of a comprehensive IT governance framework .The localization of provided framework for the automotive industry is the secondary objective of the study. In this regard, the research questions are: what is the comprehensive framework of IT governance? What are the components and dimensions of a comprehensive framework of IT governance? What is the localized comprehensive framework of IT governance for the Iranian automotive industry? All researches on IT governance were investigated using meta-synthesis qualitative method and were limited to 96 selected articles by performing a meta-synthesis process. Then, the five categories, 19 concepts and 79 codes of IT governance were identified through detailed study of these articles. Then, a comprehensive framework of IT governance was presented. For localizing, a questionnaire designed based on the identified IT governance components, and distributed among the automotive industry experts. Statistical hypothesis testing of collected data led to the rejection of cross/functional job rotation component in the automotive industry. To demonstrate the applicability of the framework, the IT governance status of ATLAS holding company was evaluated based on the comprehensive framework that localized for automotive industry.

Monitoring and evaluation of production processes an analysis of the automotive industry

CERN Document Server

Panda, Anton; Pandová, Iveta

2016-01-01

This book presents topics on monitoring and evaluation of production processes in the automotive industry. Regulation of production processes is also described in details. The text deals with the implementation and evaluation of these processes during the mass production of components useful in the automotive industry. It evaluates the effects and results achieved after implementation in practice. The book takes into account the different methodologies of the world's automakers and applicable standards, such as standard EN ISO 9001 and the requirements of VDA and ISO/TS 16949. The content is used to those working with the development, production and quality control of new products in the demanding automotive industry. The information provided may also be useful to engineers and technical staff in organizations working with series production and production of spare parts for the automotive and other demanding industries. The content presented was written based on discussions with various companies and organiza...

Analysis of Intra-Industry Trade in Turkish Automotive Sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Füsun YENİLMEZ

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The automotive sector is one of the important sectors affecting the economy of a country. Considering the export and import size of the sector, any kind of work to be done for the sector is important. The analysis of Turkey's situation in the sector will contribute to R&D studies to develop the sector, strategic planning and determination of short, medium and long term targets. The aim of the paper is to determine the location of the Turkish automotive industry in world trade. For this purpose, firstly products in the automotive sector foreign trade were reduced to three sub-digit and included in the evaluation. Grubel-Lloyd index is used in the analysis. As a result of the analyzes, Turkey has been determined separately according to the product groups of the countries that have the most intensive trade in industry.

EFFECTIVE OUTSOURCING THROUGHOUT THE SUPPLY CHAIN IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

OpenAIRE

Liu, Ying

2010-01-01

The purpose of this bachelor’s thesis was to find a method of using outsourcing effectively throughout the supply chain in the automotive industry. Through the data collecting and analyzing, this thesis was written totally based on theory. As the automotive industry has been developing, the outsourcing service has become one of the most popular methods to improve the supply chain management. The auto manufacturer and spare parts supplier are the two most important roles in the supply chai...

Green Lean Six Sigma and Managerial Innovation in Malaysian Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

Farah Izzaida Mohd Zamri; Nurul Fadly Habidin; Siti Norhafizan Hibadullah; Nursyazwani Mohd Fuzi; Auni Fatin Nadia Chiek Desa

2013-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to determine the relationship between the Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) and the Management Innovation (MI) to be implemented in the Malaysian Automotive Industry. This paper tries to examine how the GLSS can contribute and have a positive impact on the development of MI to achieve better performance in the automotive industry. In addition, by applying the advantages of innovation in an industry, they are able to ensure they have a competitive advantage factor. There...

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 2. Iron, Steel and Aluminum Suppliers to the Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 3. Plastics, Glass and Fiberglass Suppliers to the Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study was to ...

Environmental Innovation Dynamics in the Automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kuik, O

2006-01-01

This paper addresses the innovation dynamics induced by environmental policy in the automotive industry. It examines car fuel efficiency programs in the EU, the US and Japan. It concludes that existing programs have not yet succeeded in promoting radical and breakthrough technologies, but that, at

NEW TRENDS AND CHELLENGES IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

OpenAIRE

Dušan Sabadka

2015-01-01

This paper lays out the main features of the global automotive industry and identifies several important trends. Logistics operations (inbound and outbound) in the automotive supply chain are complex and account for large expenses and therefore are segments in the value chainwhere improvements can be made. Better coordination between inbound and outbound logistics contributes to optimising the supply chains, to reducing inventories and to responding to consumer requests. As econom...

Design Driven Innovation as a Differentiation Strategy - in the Context of Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mosarrat Farhana

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Though, in the automotive industry, technology is considered as a source of innovation and development, emerging change in consumer perception has brought industry focus on design. Evolution of this industry is closely related to the convergence of technology and design. In such context, implication of design driven innovation strategy in the automotive industry has potential to be explored and to create sustained competitive advantage through balancing customers’ need, technological opportunities and product meaning. The aim of this paper is to give a holistic view of design driven innovation as a differentiation strategy in the automotive industry and its implication for strategic management through some relevant research reviews and empirical information. On the contrary, this research lacks detailed description on industry practice to provide greater breadth, since it attempts to correlate the strategic concept of design with the dynamic capability of a firm in that particular industry.

Online Reputation in Automotive

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vodák Josef

2017-01-01

Full Text Available This paper deals with the issue of online reputation, namely the social networking profile of businesses. Selected companies in the automotive industry through social profiles communicate with their customers, the public and they trying to improve their name and the name of their products in the public eye. Online reputation analysis was carried out to determine the current situation on the territory of Slovakia. On the basis of the data found, measures were proposed to improve the current state and reputation of automotive companies. Recommendations suggested by the findings can be used on any market to improve the current state and increase the competitiveness of automotive companies.

The Effect of Industrial Work Performance Practice and Performance Automotive Electrical Prakti entrepreneurial n Against Interests Automotive Mechanics Class XII Smk Diponegoro Depok Sleman

OpenAIRE

Arif Mustofa; Pairun Roniwijaya

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine (1) the influence of the industrial working practices achievement entrepreneurial interests, (2) the effect of automotive electrical practice achievement against entrepreneurial interests, and (3) influence of achievement and accomplishment industry work practices automotive electrical practices to entrepreneurial interest Automotive Mechanics XII class students of SMK Diponegoro Depok Sleman school year 2012/2013.  The results showed that the test r...

Training Issues for the European Automotive Industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dankbaar, B.

1996-01-01

Provides an overview of the results of an investigation carried out for the European Commission. Aims to identify themes and issues in the field of continuing training in the European automotive industry. A large number of interviews were carried out in all the major car manufacturing countries of

Training issues for the European automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dankbaar, B.

1999-01-01

Provides an overview of the results of an investigation carried out for the European Commission. Aims to identify themes and issues in the field of continuing training in the European automotive industry. A large number of interviews were carried out in all the major car manufacturing countries of

Case Study of Engineering Risk in Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Popa, Dan Mihai

2018-03-01

The primary objective of this paper is to show where the engineering of risk management is placed and how its implementation has been tried in multinational companies in automotive industry from Romania. A large number of companies don't use a strategy to avoid the engineering risk in their design products. The main reason is not because these companies haven't heard about standards for risk management such as ISO 31000; the problem is that the business units which were summed up, have just set up a risk list at the beginning of the project, without any follow up. The purpose of this article is to create an implementation risk tracking in automotive industry companies in Romania, due to a change request from customers according to supply companies within the quality process, in the research and development phase.

DETERMINANTS OF TQM IN THE IRANIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: A THEORETICAL APPROACH

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rouhollah Mojtahedzadeh

2011-03-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a model to conduct an empirical study in Iranian automotive industry in order to improve their performance. The quality culture plays a vital role in determining the performance in Iranian manufacturing industries. In this research, a model has been developed that includes the factors of Total Quality Management and quality culture to study their effect on the performance of Iranian automotive industry. It is hoped that this paper can provide an academic source for both academicians and managers due to investigate the relationship between Total Quality Management, Quality Culture, and Performance in a systematic manner to increase successful rate of Total Quality Management implementation.

Advanced materials for application in the aerospace and automotive industries

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Damm, O

2008-11-01

Full Text Available The CSIR conducts research and development (R&D) involving advanced materials with applications in the local automotive and aerospace industries. The relevance of these R&D programmes is illustrated by positioning them in the context of key industry...

Co-evolution of industry strategies and government policies: The case of the brazilian automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Duarte, R.G. (Roberto Gonzalez); S.B. Rodrigues (Suzana)

2017-01-01

textabstractThis study examines the evolution of the automotive industry in Brazil and its key drivers. We argue that the rules of the game – industry policies – are an outcome of exchanges between the host government and industry. These arise from changes in economic and political environments and

[Noise hazard and hearing loss in workers in automotive component manufacturing industry in Guangzhou, China].

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Zhi; Liang, Jiabin; Rong, Xing; Zhou, Hao; Duan, Chuanwei; Du, Weijia; Liu, Yimin

2015-12-01

To investigate noise hazard and its influence on hearing loss in workers in the automotive component manufacturing industry. Noise level in the workplace of automotive component manufacturing enterprises was measured and hearing examination was performed for workers to analyze the features and exposure levels of noise in each process, as well as the influence on hearing loss in workers. In the manufacturing processes for different products in this industry, the manufacturing processes of automobile hub and suspension and steering systems had the highest degrees of noise hazard, with over-standard rates of 79.8% and 57.1%, respectively. In the different technical processes for automotive component manufacturing, punching and casting had the highest degrees of noise hazard, with over-standard rates of 65.0% and 50%, respectively. The workers engaged in the automotive air conditioning system had the highest rate of abnormal hearing ability (up to 3.1%). In the automotive component manufacturing industry, noise hazard exceeds the standard seriously. Although the rate of abnormal hearing is lower than the average value of the automobile manufacturing industry in China, this rate tends to increase gradually. Enough emphasis should be placed on the noise hazard in this industry.

The Indian Automotive Industry and the ASEAN Supply Chain Relations

OpenAIRE

Tristan Leo Dallo AGUSTIN; Martin SCHRODER

2015-01-01

The topic of automotive supply chains has been increasingly studied as it raises questions of economic development, especially from the perspectives of simultaneous globalisation and regionalisation, and trade. While ASEAN is a prime example of intraregional production networks, supply chains that connect ASEAN and India have not been studied indepth. Therefore, this paper investigates the Indian automotive industry, which is composed of automobile original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and ...

Change in the automotive industry; Fordonsindustrin i foeraendring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fjaellstroem, Mikael [Swedish Energy Agency, Eskilstuna (Sweden); Pohl, Hans [Sycon Energikonsult AB, Malmoe (Sweden); Liljemark, Stefan [SwedPower AB (Sweden); Leander, Aasa [Swedish Energy Agency, Eskilstuna (Sweden); Maruo, Kanehira [Chalmers Univ. of Tech., Goeteborg (Sweden); Waldenby, Torbjoern [JIC Consulting AB, Goeteborg (Sweden); Mellgren, Henry [Fordonskomponentgruppen, Goeteborg (Sweden)

2002-04-01

The 'Change in the Automotive Industry' investigation was initiated by the Swedish Energy Agency in the autumn of 2000. The objective has been to illuminate and analyse technical developments in respect of the use of electricity in vehicles, not only for various ancillary systems but also for propulsion. A number of Swedish businesses that have, or could have, links with the automotive industry have been investigated. The main aim has been to attempt to identify the opportunities for the industry to meet and benefit from the changes. A total of 14 businesses have been visited, and a further 29 companies have replied to a survey questionnaire on the theme. Business intelligence shows that a great deal of work is being done on the use of electricity for automotive propulsion, in everything from battery vehicles, via electric hybrid vehicles to fuel cell vehicles. In terms of development, the Japanese manufacturers are in the lead, while the USA constitutes the largest single driving force behind development. The technical development requires a greater understanding within several new disciplines, and leads to major changes between different industry sectors. The results show that Sweden possesses world class expertise in several of the fields that can become very important for tomorrow's automotive industry. At the same time, the companies expect difficulties in recruiting personnel qualified in the appropriate disciplines, such as development and design. There is, therefore, a clear risk that the present-day expertise will progressively fade away if nothing is done.There is a wide range of awareness of the greater use of electricity in vehicles. However, in principle, all companies feel that development towards new drive trains will proceed rapidly. Most of the companies are also very interested in descriptions and analyses of the state of development. The general conclusion of the work is that there are excellent prospects for Swedish industry to benefit from this

Change in the automotive industry; Fordonsindustrin i foeraendring

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fjaellstroem, Mikael [Swedish Energy Agency, Eskilstuna (Sweden); Pohl, Hans [Sycon Energikonsult AB, Malmoe (Sweden); Liljemark, Stefan [SwedPower AB (Sweden); Leander, Aasa [Swedish Energy Agency, Eskilstuna (Sweden); Maruo, Kanehira [Chalmers Univ. of Tech., Goeteborg (Sweden); Waldenby, Torbjoern [JIC Consulting AB, Goeteborg (Sweden); Mellgren, Henry [Fordonskomponentgruppen, Goeteborg (Sweden)

2002-04-01

The 'Change in the Automotive Industry' investigation was initiated by the Swedish Energy Agency in the autumn of 2000. The objective has been to illuminate and analyse technical developments in respect of the use of electricity in vehicles, not only for various ancillary systems but also for propulsion. A number of Swedish businesses that have, or could have, links with the automotive industry have been investigated. The main aim has been to attempt to identify the opportunities for the industry to meet and benefit from the changes. A total of 14 businesses have been visited, and a further 29 companies have replied to a survey questionnaire on the theme. Business intelligence shows that a great deal of work is being done on the use of electricity for automotive propulsion, in everything from battery vehicles, via electric hybrid vehicles to fuel cell vehicles. In terms of development, the Japanese manufacturers are in the lead, while the USA constitutes the largest single driving force behind development. The technical development requires a greater understanding within several new disciplines, and leads to major changes between different industry sectors. The results show that Sweden possesses world class expertise in several of the fields that can become very important for tomorrow's automotive industry. At the same time, the companies expect difficulties in recruiting personnel qualified in the appropriate disciplines, such as development and design. There is, therefore, a clear risk that the present-day expertise will progressively fade away if nothing is done.There is a wide range of awareness of the greater use of electricity in vehicles. However, in principle, all companies feel that development towards new drive trains will proceed rapidly. Most of the companies are also very interested in descriptions and analyses of the state of development. The general conclusion of the work is that there are excellent prospects for Swedish industry to

Lithium-air batteries: survey on the current status and perspectives towards automotive applications from a battery industry standpoint

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Park, Myounggu; Sun, Heeyoung; Lee, Hyungbok; Lee, Junesoo [Battery R and D, SK Innovation, Wonchon-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Jaephil [Interdisciplinary School of Green Energy, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan (Korea, Republic of)

2012-07-15

Li-air rechargeable batteries theoretically have advantages from both secondary batteries and fuel cells, which can be viewed as the best technological blends for automotive applications resolving the so called mileage anxiety problem due to the limited driving range of electrical vehicles based upon Li-ion batteries; this problem is rooted in the intrinsically small energy density of Li-ion batteries. This very scientific trait of Li-air batteries, which is apparently suited to the requirements of batteries for future electric vehicles, has induced quite a strong surge of research recently. This occurrence has motivated the authors to undertake a thorough review in an effort to understand the current status of Li-air battery related technologies. A comprehensive survey from a battery industry standpoint has been conducted on the fundamentals of chemistry, utilized Li-air cell configurations (or types) vs. performance, and major components comprising Li-air batteries using various sources of previously published peer-reviewed journal papers, book chapters, patents, and industrial reports. The survey results are presented here. (Copyright copyright 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

Product waste in the automotive industry : Technology and environmental management

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Groenewegen, Peter; Hond, Frank Den

1993-01-01

In this article the changes in technology and industry structure forced by waste management in the automotive industry are explored. The analysis is based on (1) a characterisation of corporate response to environmental issues, and (2) the management of technology applied to the car manufacturing

FDI and Intra-industry Trade in the Automotive Industry in the New EU Member States

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ambroziak Łukasz

2016-12-01

Full Text Available This paper investigates the extent to which foreign direct investment (FDI influenced intra-industry trade (IIT in automotive products in six New EU Member States (the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia in the 1995–2014 period. Changes in IIT intensity are analysed using the Grubel-Lloyd indices. To examine the IIT pattern, IIT indices are divided into two types of trade: IIT in vertically differentiated products (low and high quality VIIT and IIT in horizontally differentiated products (HIIT. The research indicates that IIT in automotive products allowed manufacturers and consumers from the new EU Member States to benefit more from international trade. FDI inflow to the automotive sector of the NMS has been a key factor shaping IIT in automotive products.

NEW TRENDS AND CHELLENGES IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY LOGISTICS OPERATIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dušan Sabadka

2015-03-01

Full Text Available This paper lays out the main features of the global automotive industry and identifies several important trends. Logistics operations (inbound and outbound in the automotive supply chain are complex and account for large expenses and therefore are segments in the value chainwhere improvements can be made. Better coordination between inbound and outbound logistics contributes to optimising the supply chains, to reducing inventories and to responding to consumer requests. As economies grow, the competition shifts towards brand image and customisation and here the speed and reliability of logistics operations becomes a critical elements.

Examples on cold forged aluminium components in automotive industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bay, Niels; Kolsgaard, A.

2000-01-01

The present paper describes the possibilites of applying cold forging for manufacturing of light weight components in aluminium. A short description of the basic cold forming processes forms the basis for describing the great variety in design of cold forged components. Examples are mainly taken ...... from automotive industry but in a few cases also from other industrial sectors to show the possibilities....

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 5. Multinational Automotive Parts and Components Suppliers

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 6. Foreign Automotive Parts and Components Suppliers.

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

Supply chain collaboration and responsiveness : a comparison between Thai automotive and electronics industries

OpenAIRE

Ueki, Yasushi

2013-01-01

This paper examines factors that promote firms to develop supply chain collaborations (SCC) with their partners and relationships between SCC and supply chain operational performances (SCOP), using a questionnaire survey on Thai automotive and electronics industries in 2012. This paper also carries out a comparative study on these questions between the electronics and automotive industries. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) regressions verifY that supplier evaluation and audit is a foundation fo...

Deployment of ERP Systems at Automotive Industries, Security Inspection (Case Study: IRAN KHODRO Automotive Company)

Science.gov (United States)

Ali, Hatamirad; Hasan, Mehrjerdi

Automotive industry and car production process is one of the most complex and large-scale production processes. Today, information technology (IT) and ERP systems incorporates a large portion of production processes. Without any integrated systems such as ERP, the production and supply chain processes will be tangled. The ERP systems, that are last generation of MRP systems, make produce and sale processes of these industries easier and this is the major factor of development of these industries anyhow. Today many of large-scale companies are developing and deploying the ERP systems. The ERP systems facilitate many of organization processes and make organization to increase efficiency. The security is a very important part of the ERP strategy at the organization, Security at the ERP systems, because of integrity and extensive, is more important of local and legacy systems. Disregarding of this point can play a giant role at success or failure of this kind of systems. The IRANKHODRO is the biggest automotive factory in the Middle East with an annual production over 600.000 cars. This paper presents ERP security deployment experience at the "IRANKHODRO Company". Recently, by launching ERP systems, it moved a big step toward more developments.

Developing E-Learning Solutions in the Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Bogdan, Razvan; Ancusa, Versavia

2016-01-01

In the rapid developing market of automotive industry, cutting-edge technologies are being introduced. One such example is the AUTOSAR standard. Companies are investing a large amount of finances for the training of their employees into the intricacies of such technologies. In order to face such an increase of the training costs, automotive…

Energy and Environmental Challenges for the Japanese Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

Sperling, Daniel

2000-01-01

The turn of the century is proving to be a period of turmoil and uncertainty for the automotive industry. The industry confronts growing worldwide demands for greater environmental quality, but now benefits from an emerging technological revolution that provides them with the tools to respond effectively to those demands. Rapid innovation is occurring in lightweight materials, various ICE powertrain enhancements made possible by computer controls, energy conversion processes, energy storage, ...

Improving product development performance through knowledge outsourcing: a study of the Iranian automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mazdeh, Mohammad Mahdavi

2016-08-01

Full Text Available This study aims to explore the dynamics of the knowledge supply process for new product development in the automotive industry, and to evaluate the impact of knowledge outsourcing on new product development performance. The model was developed using a literature review and a multiple case study approach that looked at ten research and development companies from the automotive industry in Iran. The results indicate that knowledge outsourcing would improve new product development performance by increasing the flexibility of the new product development process to react to the environment’s volatility, with few penalties in time and costs for automotive product development.

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 4. North American Automotive Parts and Components Suppliers

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

Advanced high strength steels for automotive industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Galan, J.; Samek, L.; Verleysen, P.; Verbeken, K.; Houbert, Y.

2012-11-01

The car industry is facing pressure because of the growing demand for more fuel-efficient passenger cars. In order to limit energy consumption and air pollution the weight of the car body has to be reduced. At the same time, high levels of safety have to be guaranteed. In this situation, the choice of material becomes a key decision in car design. As a response to the requirements of the automotive sector, high strength steels and advanced high strength steels have been developed by the steel industry. These modern steel grades offer an excellent balance of low cost, light weight and mechanical properties. (Author) 48 refs.

Is a long term work in automotive industry a risk factor for renal dysfunction?

Science.gov (United States)

Assadi, Seyedeh Negar

2015-01-01

Disorders of renal system can cause renal failure; therefore screening is necessary especially in workers who are exposed to harmful materials. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hazardous exposures are non-occupational and occupational risk factors for renal diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of working in automotive industry on renal function in Iran. In a historical cohort study, workers of automotive industry who worked in production and had low exposure to metal fumes were selected and divided to three groups with 5-10, 11-20, and 21-30 years work duration. risk factors for renal diseases were collected and analyzed with SPSS using one-way ANOVA, correlation coefficient and with P automotive Industry with low exposure to toxic metals and solvents has no significant effect on GFR, creatinine clearance, uric acid, and mean blood pressure.

Interpretive schemata of human resource management during economic crisis: Case of producers for automotive industry

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Ana Arzenšek

2010-05-01

Full Text Available This qualitative research investigates interpretive schemata by producers for automotive industry during the economic crisis in Slovenia. Specifically, the interest was in their Human resource management (HRM schemata in current crisis. We explained the dynamics of schema change on the basis of Piaget's theory of adaptation. In-depth interviews with CEOs, directors of HRM and leaders of trade unions served as a primary data source. In addition, comparative analysis of social responsibility as reported in companies' annual reports in 2007 and 2008 was made. Firstly, results demonstrate strategic role of HRM in chosen companies. Secondly, present economic crisis does not serve as a factor of schema change. In conclusion, participants mostly assimilate new information from environment to fit their HRM schemata. Results show the major factor for both assimilation and lack of schema change is occurrence of crisis in Slovenian companies that produce for automotive industry in the nineties.

Capacity waste management at automotive industry in India: A Six Sigma observation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rajeev Rathi

2015-11-01

Full Text Available The companies in present challenging world are trying hard to improve their productivity and capacity utilization levels without actually increasing the sale price of their products. In India, in today combative world, the majority of automotive manufacturing industries are scuffling hard with their low levels of productivity. Possibly there are different reasons for this and capacity waste or under-utilization of productive capacity in industries appears to be one of the prime reasons. As corrective action, the present study makes an effort to check the efficacy of Six Sigma approach to improve capacity waste management. With a case study, through successful execution of Define phase, the study confirms the perception of Six Sigma for capacity waste management in Indian automotive industry.

IT Systems in Aid of Welding Processes Quality Management in the Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Restecka M.

2016-12-01

Full Text Available The most important issue for the producers nowadays is to meet the requirements of customers, satisfying their perceived but also the unperceived needs. In order to control the quality of welding processes correctly one must have knowledge of welding drawings, symbols, designs of welded joints, welding procedures, requirements set in codes and standards, also have knowledge of the techniques of inspection and testing connected with the automotive industry. The article shows ways to increase quality in the industry through the use of robotization and computerization. Presented examples and application of IT systems in aid of welding processes quality management in the automotive industry.

The effect of job organizational factors on job satisfaction in two automotive industries in Malaysia.

Science.gov (United States)

Dawal, Siti Zawiah Md; Taha, Zahari

2007-12-01

A methodology is developed in diagnosing the effect of job organizational factors on job satisfaction in two automotive industries in Malaysia. One hundred and seventy male subjects of age 18-40 years with the mean age of 26.8 and standard deviation (SD) of 5.3 years and the mean work experience of 6.5 years and SD of 4.9 years took part in the study. Five job organizational factors were tested in the study including job rotation, work method, training, problem solving and goal setting. A job organization questionnaire was designed and was based on respondents' perception in relation to job satisfaction. The results showed that job organization factors were significantly related to job satisfaction. Job rotation, work method, training and goal setting showed strong correlation with job satisfaction while problem solving had intermediate correlation in the first automotive industry. On the other hand, most job organization factors showed intermediate correlation with job satisfaction in the second automotive industry except the training factor which had low correlation with job satisfaction. These results highlight that job rotation, work methods, problem solving and goal setting are outstanding factors in the study of job satisfaction for automotive industries.

Barriers to green supply chain management in the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Flávia Cristina da Silva

2018-04-01

Full Text Available This study identified the barriers to and analyzed their degree of influence on Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM from the perspective of a first tier supplier in the Brazilian automotive industry. There are 43 barriers in the literature of which 13 were validated: support and involvement (five, operational performance (three, economic performance (two, environmental performance (two, and knowledge and information (one. The validation occurred through the perception of technical and academic specialists familiar with environmental management and supply chains in several sectors. The hierarchy of barriers priorities was obtained through the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP, with decision makers representing an industry in the automotive sector. The research showed that the cost implications represent the most influential barrier to GCSV, from the perspective of a first tier supplier in the sector.

A Study to Determine the Educational Needs of Industrial Technologists in the Automotive-Type Manufacturing Industries.

Science.gov (United States)

Hall, Ronald Walter

Questionnaires were used to gather data about educational needs of industrial technologists in the automotive-type manufacturing industries in the United States. Each of the 101 establishments received four questionnaires; 67 (66.3 percent) returned one or more of the questionnaires. The responses of the selected individuals were analyzed by…

Occupational diseases in the automotive industry in Czechia - Geographic and medical context.

Science.gov (United States)

Jarolímek, Jan; Urban, Pavel; Pavlínek, Petr; Dzurova, Dagmar

2017-05-08

The automotive industry represents the most important industrial sector in Czechia. The objective of this study has been to analyze the occurrence of occupational diseases (OD) in the automotive industry during the period from 2001 till 2014. Data on OD cases was retrieved from the National Registry of OD. Further, we conducted a survey in automotive companies with focus on occupational health services and positions of the companies in global production networks (GPNs). An analysis of OD distribution in the automotive industry was performed (age, gender, company size and its role in GPNs, regional distribution of studied companies, and regional unemployment rate), and was accompanied by assessment of the quality and range of occupational health services. Employees older than 40 years old have nearly 2.5 times higher probability of OD occurrence as compared with employees younger than 40 years old (odds ratio (OR) = 2.41, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.05-2.85). Occupational diseases occurrence probability was 3 times higher for women than for men (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 2.55-3.55). Occupational diseases incidence rates increased with the size of the company (0 OD/10 000 employees in micro enterprises to 57 OD/10 000 employees in large enterprises). A particularly steep rise in OD incidents in the automotive industry was observed in the Plzeň Region between 2001 and 2011. An association between OD incidents and the unemployment rate was not statistically confirmed. A statistically significant increase in OD incidents dependent on company size may be arguably attributed to a higher quality of occupational medical services in bigger companies, which ensures better detection and diagnosis of OD. In the Plzeň Region, the rapid increase in OD incidents was mainly caused by a change in the production process of automobile textiles in one factory due to the introduction of a glue containing isocyanates, which are potent allergising agents. This led to an increase in

RECRUITMENT PRACTICES AND CRITERIA OF THE SUPPLIERS OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Daniela MIHAI

2012-12-01

Full Text Available The paper has as a purpose the analysis of the recruitment activity, from a theoretical and a practical point of view, at the level of a multinational company that carries on its activity in the automotive industry. In order to reach this purpose, we have studied the Romanian and foreign literature of the field and we have taken an in-depth interview to the human resources manager. The recruitment activity is extremely important for the automotive industry suppliers, especially at the level of the county of Argeş, because here we can find the greatest concentration of such companies. Because of the problematic economic and financial situation, at the level of the county of Argeş it is difficult to recruit in this industry. In order to be able to do it, the multinational companies have to manage their activity correctly and to design successful practices!

Making aerospace technology work for the automotive industry, introduction

Science.gov (United States)

Olson, W. T.

1978-01-01

NASA derived technology already in use in the automotive industry include: (1) developments in electronics design, computer systems, and quality control methods for line testing of cars and trucks; (2) a combustion analysis computer program for automotive engine research and development; (3) an infrared scanner and television display for analyzing tire design and performance, and for studying the effects of heat on the service life of V-belts, shock mounts, brakes, and rubber bearings; (4) exhaust gas analyzers for trouble shooting and emissions certification; (5) a device for reducing noise from trucks; and (6) a low cost test vehicle for measuring highway skid resistance. Services offered by NASA to facilitate access to its technology are described.

Determining organic pollutants in automotive industry sludge.

Science.gov (United States)

Munaretto, Juliana S; Wonghon, Audrey L; von Mühlen, Carin

2012-12-01

In Brazil, the policy for disposing industrial sludge is changing from an emphasis on using controlled landfills to other treatment or co-processing methods; however, the monitoring of organic pollutants is not mandatory. The present study evaluated two general screening methods for organic pollutants in sludge generated in an automotive industrial complex in southern Brazil. The screening was performed using Soxhlet and sonication extractions and Gas Chromatograph coupled with Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (GC/qMS). It was concluded that both techniques were effective and that most of the compounds identified were alkanes, phenols and esters. Important pollutants were detected in the sludge, which confirms the necessity of monitoring this type of residue.

Fundamental Problems in the Operation of the Automotive Parts Industry Small and Medium Businesses in Bangkok and Surrounding Provinces

OpenAIRE

P. Thepnarintra

2015-01-01

The purposes of this study were to: 1) investigate operation conditions of SME automotive part industry in Bangkok and vicinity and 2) to compare operation problem levels of SME automotive part industry in Bangkok and vicinity according to the sizes of the enterprises. Samples in this study included 196 entrepreneurs of SME automotive part industry in Bangkok and vicinity derived from simple random sampling and calculation from R. V. Krejcie and D. W. Morgan's tables. Res...

Identifying Lead Markets in the European Automotive Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Cleff, Thomas; Grimpe, Christoph; Rammer, Christian

2015-01-01

for automobiles and national markets differ considerably in their lead market potential. The German market is found to be most promising to serve as a lead market, while other European countries with a strong automotive tradition like France, Italy, the UK, and Sweden score lower. Our findings suggest that firms......This paper presents an indicator-based methodology to identify lead markets in the European automotive industry. The lead market approach tries to explain why certain countries are better positioned than others for developing and launching new products. While much research stresses the role...... of excellence in technology and interaction among users and producers, the lead market approach focuses on the role of demand characteristics. Based on the concept of innovation design, a lead market is defined as a country where customers prefer that design which subsequently becomes the globally dominant...

Adverse effects of the automotive industry on carbon dioxide emissions

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mpho Bosupeng

2016-05-01

Full Text Available This study aims to determine the effects of the automotive industry on carbon dioxide emissions for the period from 1997 to 2010 for diverse economies, as well as the relationships between carbon dioxide discharges and output. The study applies cointegration and causality tests to validate these associations. The results of the Johansen cointegration test depict long-run associations between the quantity of passenger cars and carbon dioxide emissions in France, Sweden, Spain, Hungary and Japan. In addition, significant relations were observed between output and carbon dioxide discharges in Spain, Canada, India and Japan. Changes in output had substantial impact on emissions in Germany, Canada and India. The results also show that the number of passenger cars influences the magnitude of emissions in multiple economies. In conclusion, the automotive industry has to be considered in policies that aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Automotive Industry in South-West Region of Oltenia

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Amelia Boncea

2011-06-01

Full Text Available In terms of population, Romania represents the third largest market in Central and Eastern Europe and the seventh in all European Union member states. Still, our country is one of the least wealthy nations if we take into consideration income and GDP per capita. Of course, these are the two most important factors which influence the level of sales in the local automotive market.This paper is intended to analyze the currents situation on the passenger cars market in the region of Oltenia, taking into consideration all social and economic factors of the area, but also the national context. After having an overview of the local markets, the paper continues with the analysis of the external environment and the forces that significantly affect the industry evolution. In accordance with the facts presented, the conclusions summarize the main ideas of the paper.

Profiles of Automotive Suppliers Industries--Engineered Mechanical Components and Systems : Volume II, Appendices.

Science.gov (United States)

1981-09-01

The profile describes and analyzes that segment of the automotive supplier industry which provides engineered mechanical components/assemblies/systems to the prime auto manufacturers. It presents an overview of the role and structure of this industry...

Industrial heat treatment of R-HPDC A356 automotive brake callipers [Conference paper

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Chauke, L

2012-10-01

Full Text Available brake callipers to the automotive industry. This research studied A356 brake callipers heat treated on the industrial scale with particular emphasis on the resulting microstructure, hardness and tensile properties. The eutectic Si...

The impact of global warming on the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Hannappel, Ralf

2017-08-01

One cause of global warming of the earth's atmosphere is the emission of human made gases (methane, CO2, nitrous oxygen, etc.) into the environment. Of the total global CO2 emissions the transportation sector contributes to about 14%. In order to control the emissions of the automotive sector, in all major countries (USA, Europe, China, Japan) of the world, tough emissions targets were being set to reduce the vehicle traffic's contribution of CO2. These are derived from the global climate conference' target to limit the maximum temperature increase of the earth of 2 degrees Celsius until 2100. In order to achieve these stringent targets the automotive industry will face a major change in its drivetrain. It will move from combustion to electrical engines. The technical realization of these engines will most likely be battery and fuel cell driven propulsion systems. In order to achieve that transition a major effort is required in 4 industrial areas, i.e. growing electrical charging infrastructure, lowering battery cost, increasing the battery-electric vehicle ranges and developing new environmental friendly hydrogen production methods.

Protectionism in the Colombian automotive industry

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Carlos Ronderos

2014-10-01

Full Text Available This paper employs the concept of Effective Protection in order to calculate the real level of protection that has favored the automotive assembly industry in Colombia and to value if this level of protection has helped to achieve the goals of an Import Substitution Policy. A policy that seeks to establish, through this protection mechanism a national industry of consumer durable goods, with an increasing share of domestic inputs generating alongside new dynamics in investment and employment generation. For this purpose, this paper works with data from the Colombian National Manufacture Survey (Encuesta Nacional Manufacturera de Colombia, data provided by the industry on incorporation of local inputs, and a review of changes in policy and legislation affecting the way in which this mechanism operates. Contrary to what would be expected, analysis shows that share of local inputs has decreased, bringing as a result that the cost of protection has been very high when compared to investment and employment generation. The paper concludes with some thoughts as to the convenience of maintaining this type of policy.

Industrial thermoforming simulation of automotive fuel tanks

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wiesche, Stefan aus der

2004-01-01

An industrial thermoforming simulation with regard to automotive plastic fuel tanks is presented including all relevant process stages. The radiative and conductive heat transfer during the reheat stage, the deformation and stress behaviour during the forming stage, and the final cooling stage are simulated. The modelling of the thermal and rheological behaviour of the involved material is investigated in greater detail. By means of experimental data it is found that modelling of the phase transition during the process is highly important for predicting correct wall thickness distributions

Future use of robots in the automotive industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kelly, M P

1982-01-01

The future will see a dramatic increase in the number of robots used in the automotive industry. Well established applications, such as resistance spot welding, will continue to grow in the short term. Longer term, the much wider use of structural adhesives will supplant the spot welding process with robots applying the adhesives. Practical perception systems will enhance robot performance in arc welding, grinding, fettling, seam sealing and assembly operations, leading again to robot growth as vital elements of truly flexible manufacturing systems (FMS). A major robotic impact will be made in automotive paint shops as the need to conserve energy increases. The development of alternative painting materials, offering improved performance will add further impetus. Robotics of the future will progressively move to a CAD/CAM orientated data base, offering off-line programming capability, which together with essential inspection elements, will provide the means for totally automatic manufacture.

Profiles of Major Suppliers to the Automotive Industry : Vol. 1. Overview.

Science.gov (United States)

1982-08-01

This study summarizes extensive information collected over a two-year period (October 1978 to October 1980) on suppliers of parts and components, materials, and machine tools to the automotive industry in the United States. The objective of the study...

Economic crisis and the automotive industry in Romania

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Iosip, A.

2010-12-01

Full Text Available The economic crisis has affected many areas but the auto industry is perhaps one of the most affected. Renault, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, BMW are just some of the big players caught unprepared. Through this paper we propose an analysis of the automotive market in Romania in order to understand the sales decrease of the last two years. At the same time we aimed at understanding the reasons that led to a decrease in car sales, what were the measures taken by the government to stop this phenomenon and how the economic crisis influenced the automotive field in Romania. An objective image of the situation in the automobile market in Romania at this moment also requires an analysis of the marketing environment and the changes it has undergone over time. Last but not least we will try to find a series of measures to re-launch the car market in Romania.

Status and Outlook for the U.S. Non-Automotive Fuel Cell Industry: Impacts of Government Policies and Assessment of Future Opportunities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Greene, David L [ORNL; Duleep, K. G. [ICF International; Upreti, Girish [ORNL

2011-06-01

Fuel cells (FCs) are considered essential future energy technologies by developed and developing economies alike. Several countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea have established publicly funded R&D and market transformation programs to develop viable domestic FC industries for both automotive and non-automotive applications. Important non-automotive applications include large scale and small scale distributed combined heat and electrical power, backup and uninterruptible power, material handling and auxiliary power units. The U.S. FC industry is in the early stages of development, and is working to establish sustainable markets in all these areas. To be successful, manufacturers must reduce costs, improve performance, and overcome market barriers to new technologies. U.S. policies are assisting via research and development, tax credits and government-only and government-assisted procurements. Over the past three years, the industry has made remarkable progress, bringing both stack and system costs down by more than a factor of two while improving durability and efficiency, thanks in part to government support. Today, FCs are still not yet able to compete in these markets without continued policy support. However, continuation or enhancement of current policies, such as the investment tax credit and government procurements, together with continued progress by the industry, appears likely to establish a viable domestic industry within the next decade.

RECYCLED TEXTILES USED IN AUTOMOTIVE INTERIORS. CASE STUDY- FORD MOTOR COMPANY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

CUC Sunhilde

2017-05-01

Full Text Available The environmental movement is affecting all industries, but the textile and automotive industries are two of the few that are constantly being criticized. The automotive industry is the subject of much research, it is the largest manufacturing activity, there is a complex supply chain, is resource intensive and emits various hazardous gases and waste products. The article reviews the current state of automotive industry regarding the textile application. Automotive textiles have been classified as belonging to a category called “Mobiltech” which is one of the main streams of technical textiles. The term means all type of textile components e.g. fibers, filaments, yarns and the fabric used in automobiles. They are classed as technical textile because of the very high performance specifications and special properties required, different from those used in clothing and other applications. The performance of the automotive textiles depends on the fibre properties, fabric structures and various finishes used in the manufacturing processes. After a short presentation of used fibres in car interiors, with advantages and disadvantages it is presented the sustainable textile solutions for the automotive industry. The paper focuses in particular of the use of recycling of textile waste to highlight how the processes of recycled textiles and sustainable textiles production are linked in the automotive sector. A case study with Ford Motor Company outlines and examines their design, development and manufacture process for automotive textiles for car seat coverings and interiors

Offshoring trends in the manufacturing process within the automotive industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Simplay, S.; Hansen, Zaza Nadja Lee

2014-01-01

consisting of original equipment manufacturers and engineering service providers. The findings indicated some offshoring trends in the automotive industry. Offshoring in this industry is moving from a manufacturing focus to incorporate large parts of the process, including high-level product development...... engineering activities. This development has created several challenges. These challenges arose as organisations are not considering how offshoring activities could be integrated with an increasingly global supply chain for the manufacturing of the final product. The paper contributes to manufacturing theory...

Automotive Chassis; Automotive Mechanics-Basic: 9043.02.

Science.gov (United States)

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

This automotive chassis course is designed to familiarize the beginning student of the history and development of the automobile with basic concepts common to the automobile industry, and general information that is required for successful advancement in the automotive mechanics field. It is one quinmester in a series of quinmester outlines…

State and Industrial Policy: Comparative Political Economic Analysis of Automotive Industrial Policies in Malaysia and Thailand

OpenAIRE

Tai, Wan-Ping; Ku, Samuel

2013-01-01

Numerous differences exist between the neoclassical and national development schools of economics on how an economy should develop. For example, should the state interfere in the market using state resources, and cultivate certain industries to achieve specific developmental goals? Although the automotive industries in both Thailand and Malaysia developed in the 1970s with considerable government involvement, they have evolved along very different lines. Can these differences be traced to dif...

Learning, Upgrading, Innovation in the South African Automotive Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Barnes, Justin; Lorentzen, Jochen

2003-01-01

contradicts at least part of the conventional wisdom concerning the location of innovation activities in global car value chains. Results also point to a deficient NIS insofar as there appears to be a disjuncture between the demand for engineering competence in the manufacturing sector on the one hand......This paper addresses the innovation activities of automotive component manufacturers in South Africa. It looks at the technological trajectory of a handful of firms that stand out from the crowd and analyses the results of their endeavours in the context of their interaction with foreign capital......, their internal upgrading and R&D agenda, and their interface with South Africa's national innovation system (NIS). The analysis makes use of eight case studies, and illustrates the conditions under which indigenous innovation in the automotive industries can happen in a developing country. This finding...

An evaluation of the procedures required to ensure consistent material supply in the Eastern Cape automotive industry

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GS Horn

2014-07-01

Full Text Available There is a common perception that logistics practice and supply chain management have not yet reached the required international standards among all the supply chain members in the South African automotive industry. This article is based on a research study that investigated possible reasons for the inconsistent supply of materials in the Eastern Cape automotive industry specifically. Problems identified include the fact that suppliers are not evaluated on a regular basis and do not receive sufficient logistics training, while a commitment and will to development local suppliers is lacking. Recommendations made to the South African automotive industry include the improvement of development programmes to assist local suppliers in becoming world-class suppliers, better logistics training, more regular supplier assessments, as well as improved mutual communication among suppliers and motor vehicle assemblers.

The Implementation of Corporate Sustainability in the European Automotive Industry: An Analysis of Sustainability Reports

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Martina Sukitsch

2015-08-01

Full Text Available The acceptance of corporate sustainability implementation and sustainability reporting has continued to grow steadily in recent years. This is particularly true for companies in the automotive industry. Increasing regulatory demands, for example, with respect to CO2 emissions, are one clear reason for this. In this paper the sustainability reports of 14 manufacturers in the European automotive industry are analyzed with respect to issues of corporate sustainability implementation. This entails content analysis of sustainability reports from 2012, and of their earliest available equivalents. The analysis of corporate sustainability implementation in the selected companies is provided with the purpose to help understand how manufacturers in the European automotive industry implement corporate sustainability. Results confirm the importance of specific policy instruments in implementation, such as the use of environmental management systems and standards, and of related changes in organizational structures. The latter include suitable adaptation of corporate strategy, philosophy, objectives, measures, and activities, as well as the need to integrate stakeholders in the adjustment process. The analysis shows that while companies are well-aware of the significance of sustainability for their industry, some tend to be leaders, and others laggards, as far as implementation is concerned.

Crew resource management training within the automotive industry: does it work?

Science.gov (United States)

Marquardt, Nicki; Robelski, Swantje; Hoeger, Rainer

2010-04-01

This article presents the development, implementation, and evaluation of a crew resource management (CRM) training program specifically designed for employees within the automotive industry. The central objective of this training program was to improve communication, teamwork, and stress management skills as well to increase the workers' situational awareness of potential errors that can occur during the production process. Participants in the training program of this study were 80 employees, all of whom were working in a production unit for gearbox manufacturing. Effectiveness of the CRM training course was evaluated two times (1 month and 6 months after the training program). The results showed a significant improvement in a wide range of CRM-relevant categories, especially in teamwork-related attitudes, in addition to an increase in the workers' situational awareness after the training program. On the basis of the results, it can be stated that CRM training, which was originally developed for the aviation industry, can be transferred to the automotive industry. However, because of the lack of behavioral observations, these effects are limited to CRM attitudes and knowledge changes. Several recommendations for future research and training development in the field of human factors training are made.

Rheo-processing of semi-solid metal alloys: a new technology for manufacturing automotive and aerospace components

CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

Ivanchev, L

2008-01-01

Full Text Available The latest trend in the automotive industry to produce fuel-efficient vehicles has resulted in the increased use of aluminium and magnesium alloys. Liquid metal high pressure die-casting (HPDC) currently satisfies the bulk of the automotive industry...

Influence of heat treatment on magnesium alloys meant to automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Popescu, G.; Moldovan, P.; Bojin, D.; Sillekens, W.H.

2009-01-01

The paper presents a study concerning the heat treatment realized on magnesium alloys, from AZ80 and ZK60 class. These alloys are destined to replace the conventional ferrous and aluminum alloys in automotive industry. It was realized the heat treatment, T5 - artificially aging, and it were

MICROALLOYED STEELS FOR THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Debanshu Bhattacharya

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Two major drivers for the use of newer steels in the automotive industry are fuel efficiency and increased safety performance. Fuel efficiency is mainly a function of weight of steel parts, which in turn, is controlled by gauge and design. Safety is determined by the energy absorbing capacity of the steel used to make the part. All of these factors are incentives for the U.S. automakers to use both Highly Formable and Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS to replace the conventional steels used to manufacture automotive parts in the past. AHSS is a general term used to describe various families of steels. The most common AHSS is the dual-phase steel that consists of a ferrite-martensite microstructure. These steels are characterized by high strength, good ductility, low tensile to yield strength ratio and high bake hardenability. Another class of AHSS is the complex-phase or multi-phase steel which has a complex microstructure consisting of various phase constituents and a high yield to tensile strength ratio. Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP steels is another class of AHSS steels finding interest among the U.S. automakers. These steels consist of a ferrite-bainite microstructure with significant amount of retained austenite phase and show the highest combination of strength and elongation, so far, among the AHSS in use. High level of energy absorbing capacity combined with a sustained level of high n value up to the limit of uniform elongation as well as high bake hardenability make these steels particularly attractive for safety critical parts and parts needing complex forming. A relatively new class of AHSS is the Quenching and Partitioning (Q&P steels. These steels seem to offer higher ductility than the dual-phase steels of similar strengths or similar ductility as the TRIP steels at higher strengths. Finally, martensitic steels with very high strengths are also in use for certain parts. The most recent initiative in the area of AHSS

INNOVATION IN THE EUROPEAN VALUE CHAIN: THE CASE OF THE ROMANIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

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Alina Petronela NEGREA

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Entrepreneurs’ and regional stakeholder’s capacity to turn knowledge, skills and competencies into sustainable competitive advantage is crucial to a region' economic performance. The article attempts to reveal their synergy by gathering evidence in the particular context of the Romanian automotive industry. Based on primary data collected through structured inter¬views and experiential visits, the research is organized around three investigative themes: (1 entrepreneurs’ approach to and perception on innovation, (2 factors affecting innovation, and (3 networking and knowledge diffusion in the regional productive environment. The findings emphasize the convergent opinion of the regional stakeholders on the vital role innovation plays at the current stage of the industry and the key role entrepreneurs have in stimulating innovation in the regional context. A series of three factors underlay the innovative performance at regional and industry level, namely the presence of an innovation friendly business environment, entrepreneurs’ personality, as well as the external competitive environment.

Co-evolution of Industry Strategies and Government Policies: The Case of the Brazilian Automotive Industry

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Roberto Gonzalez Duarte

2017-07-01

Full Text Available This study examines the evolution of the automotive industry in Brazil and its key drivers. We argue that the rules of the game – industry policies – are an outcome of exchanges between the host government and industry. These arise from changes in economic and political environments and interdependence between industry and the country’s economy. To this end, we draw upon literature on institutions and co-evolution to understand the industry footprint over a 50-year period, as well as its relationship with changes in government policies. This study generates new insights on institutional and co-evolution political perspectives by showing that the rules of the game are not only the making of the government, but are also the result of interdependencies between industry and government.

Assessment of postur in an automotive industry using ISO -11228-3 technique

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

2012-01-01

Results: Results shown in 4 workstations include 35 task in an automotive industry. One of them is red and another’s are green.. Conclusion: This method is suitable, quickly and very easy to use for assessment of ergonomics situation in work.

Performance Measurements, Critical Facts to Business Growth – Exemplification on Automotive Industry

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Andreea Ileana ZAMFIR

2012-12-01

Full Text Available An important consideration in the process of modeling business processes is that in order to improve, you must define the current state of work. Accordingly, the general argument for business growth based on performance measurement is that in order to improve the process in the future, you must know how activities are conducted in the present. The article presents the key elements of performance measurements in relation to business growth, taking also into account main challenges and obstacles. The author based the research upon a larger study of increasing performance, developed inside four companies from an extended supply chain in automotive industry, relating the theoretical discoveries in the field with the real business experience.

Inventory trends in emerging market supply chains: Evidence from the Indian automotive industry

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Haritha Saranga

2015-03-01

Full Text Available In the current paper, using a sample data of 58 firms consisting of automakers and auto component suppliers across a 14-year period, we study the factors contributing to efficient inventory management in the Indian automotive Industry. We use fixed effects regression models to document trends in inventory holdings over time and how this varies across inventory types and across tiers in the supply chain. Our results show that inventory holdings have declined differentially across tiers and across different types of inventories. We find tier-1 suppliers reduced all components of their inventories with the help of TQM and lean efforts.

Should HIV and AIDS workplace programmes still be advocated in the automotive industry?

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Liana Steenkamp

2015-03-01

Full Text Available Orientation: In light of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV pandemic, and in order to improve competitiveness in the South African private sector, many structures have implemented subsidised workplace programmes. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to collect baseline data regarding the knowledge, attitudes, practices and belief (KAPB of employees in the automotive industry in relation to HIV and AIDS, in order to assess the need for HIV and AIDS workplace programmes. Motivation for the study: Given the abundance of HIV and AIDS information, the question is whether these workplace programmes’ efforts are still relevant. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative descriptive study design was used using a self-administered questionnaire covering questions about KAPB with regard to HIV and AIDS. The data collection took place in seven automotive supplier companies in South Africa (n = 733 who were going to implement HIV and AIDS workplace programmes with the support of the Automotive Industry Development Centre in the Eastern Cape. Main findings: High-risk behaviour, as indicated by sexual relations with more than one partner in the last 12 months, occurred in between 12% (management and 42% (cleaners of employees. All risk behaviour indicators showed significant differences (p < 0.05 between management and administrative staff on the one hand and technicians, operators and cleaners on the other. Despite being aware of an HIV policy, more than 50% of employees indicated that they would not be willing to disclose their status. Practical/managerial implications: As HIV and AIDS risk behaviour and stigma remain a problem, HIV infection with associated health problems may threaten productivity in the automotive industry if no measures are taken to address the impact on employees and the company. Contribution: This study strongly supports the conclusion that KAPB studies can still provide important information to tailor HIV

Artificial Intelligence and Data Science in the Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

Hofmann, Martin; Neukart, Florian; Bäck, Thomas

2017-01-01

Data science and machine learning are the key technologies when it comes to the processes and products with automatic learning and optimization to be used in the automotive industry of the future. This article defines the terms "data science" (also referred to as "data analytics") and "machine learning" and how they are related. In addition, it defines the term "optimizing analytics" and illustrates the role of automatic optimization as a key technology in combination with data analytics. It ...

Applications of nuclear methods in the automotive industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Schneider, E.W.; Yusuf, S.O.

1996-01-01

Over the years nuclear methods have proved to be a valuable asset to industry in general and to the automotive industry in particular. This paper summarizes some of the most important recent contributions of nuclear technology to the development of vehicles having high quality and long-term durability. Radiotracer methods are used to measure engine oil consumption and the wear rates of inaccessible components. Radiographic and tomographic methods are used to image fluids and structures in engines and accessory components. Tracers are used to understand combustion chemistry and quantify fluid flow. Gauging methods are used for inspection and process control. Nuclear analytical methods are used routinely for materials characterization and problem solving. Although nuclear methods are usually considered as the means of last resort, they can often be applied more easily and quickly than conventional methods when those in industrial engineering and R and D are aware of their unique capabilities. (author). 51 refs., 5 figs

How to improve team effectiveness through group processes: An example in the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Meneses, Rocío; Navarro Cid, José

2015-01-01

Increasing group and team effectiveness is fundamental for any organisation, especially during periods of economic crisis. In order to build or design a team or to optimise its work, it is necessary to consider tasks, processes and results. Given that teams are a key tool for competitiveness in the automotive sector, this paper focuses on how to improve the performance and the effectiveness of production teams in Spain's automotive industry through three processes: group development, gr...

Technological Development in Automotive Industry and Transformation in Corporate Governance System

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Kazuyuki Shimizu

2017-10-01

Full Text Available This study aims to understand how governance change is triggered by cybernetics issues, such as the development of automotive navigation systems in German, Japanese and US automotive industry. Six points are discussed for the central question which are 1 GDP Trends for Manufacturing Activities, 2 Organizational Structure for Supply Chain Management (SCM, 3 Viewpoint related to Internet of Things (IoT usability, 4 National IoT planning, 5 Definition of IoT, 6 Developing Navigation Systems. At first, the trend in manufacturing activity reveals two different trends: a downward trend in Japan and the USA, and a stable trend in Germany. We see several possible reasons for this difference; first, the “smiling curve concept” is applied to visualize the difference. And the organizational structure of SCM is concerned such as “Keiretsu” in Japan, “Konzern” in Germany and the “Anglo-American” model. Then, this paper addresses how the unique organizational features of SCM might react to the technological developments in the automotive industry such as autonomous driving, which has shaken the core of the industry. For this gradual change, the IoT technology is necessary. IoT means the progress of certain embedded system, which adds a network function into it. The embedded system for automobile orientation on a map (hardware and software has to be upgraded with the network function. These technological developments could influence their corporate governance system. Then, the discussion matrix is formed for the six points, which are discussed in this paper and reveal the boundaries between Japan, Germany and the US. According to Beer, the societary maps (the cybernetic maps are required for this structural progress to find the right way to go. Finally, we think a dynamic industrial movement is ensured by keeping fair competition, which ensures diversity as well as technological development. It could be the last resort to protect our �

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF SHOP TOWEL USAGE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE AND PRINTING INDUSTRIES

Science.gov (United States)

This assessment identifies the environmental impacts and usage trends of shop towels in the printing and automotive repair industries. The shop towels are used to clean equipment and to wipe up contaminants for a variety of operations. Four types of shop towels were evaluated; wo...

Using smart materials to solve new challenges in the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Gath, Kerrie K.; Maranville, Clay; Tardiff, Janice

2018-03-01

Ford has an extensive history of developing and utilizing smart and innovative materials in its vehicles. In this paper, we present new challenges the automotive industry is facing and explore how intelligent uses of smart materials can help provide solutions. We explore which vehicle attributes may provide most advantageous for the use smart materials, and discuss how smart material have had technical challenges that limit their use. We also look at how smart materials such as gecko inspired adhesion is providing opportunities during the vehicle assembly process by improving manufacturing quality, environmental sustainability, and worker safety. An emerging area for deployment of smart materials may involve autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, where customer expectations are migrating toward a seamless and adaptive experience leading to new expectations for an enhanced journey. Another area where smart materials are influencing change is interior and exterior design including smart textiles, photochromatic dyes, and thermochromatic materials. The key to advancing smart materials in automotive industry is to capitalize on the smaller niche applications where there will be an advantage over traditional methods. Ford has an extensive history of developing and utilizing smart and innovative materials. Magnetorheological fluids, thermoelectric materials, piezoelectric actuators, and shape memory alloys are all in production. In this paper we present new challenges the automotive industry is facing and explore how intelligent uses of smart materials can help provide solutions. We explore which vehicle attributes may provide most advantageous for the use smart materials, and discuss how smart materials have had technical challenges that limit their use. An emerging area for deployment of smart materials may involve autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions, where customer expectations may require a seamless and adaptive experience for users having various

Profiles of Automotive Suppliers Industries--Engineered Mechanical Components and Systems : Volume I, Text.

Science.gov (United States)

1981-09-01

This profile describes and analyzes that segment of the automotive supplier industry which provides engineered mechanical components/assemblies/systems to the prime auto manufacturers. It presents an overview of the role and structure of this industr...

Is a Long Term Work in Automotive Industry a Risk Factor for Renal ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Annals of Medical and Health Sciences Research | Mar-Apr 2015 | Vol 5 | Issue 2 |. 103 ... Assadi: Long‑term work in the automotive industry and risk of renal dysfunction. 104 ..... and psychosocial approaches to global management of the.

Impacts of the Global Crisis Period 2007- 2010 on the Automotive Industry in the Czech Republic

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Sedlacek Marek

2013-06-01

Full Text Available The main aim of this article was to analyse the possible intensity of dependency of the Czech Republic, or more precisely, its total economic indicator Gross Domestic Product on realized Sales sector of the automotive industry before crisis, during the crisis period (2007-2010 as well as after the crisis. There was also used the development analysis of individual total economic indicators in the Czech automotive industry in time. On the other hand, in the article there were found and analysed impacts of the global recession on the functioning of several chosen companies associated in the Automotive Industry Association of the Czech Republic at their interaction with this way developed macroeconomic surroundings. The investigation was based on the development of company result indicator value (Sales of the selected companies and the chosen macro indicator (Gross Domestic Product when looking for their reciprocal dependency in the period mainly connected with the financial and economic crisis. In the contribution, an elementary analysis of the chosen indicator Sales was carried out. With the help of regress and correlation analysis there were further researched the relationships among this chosen indicator of company performance reciprocally with all the companies, the Automotive Industry Association of the Czech Republic as a whole, and the chosen macro-indicator representing the development of selected markets. For the following calculation of tested criteria, Cohen’s Coefficient was used to be able to assess the effect of the group on the value variability of studied random quantity.

Productive Agglomerations of Suppliers in the Automotive Industry: A Way to Maximize Competitiveness in Supply Chain Management.

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Patricia Guarnieri

2006-08-01

Full Text Available The objective of this paper is to identify how the automotive industries maximize the competitiveness in supply chain management through the constitution of entrepreneurial productive agglomerations of suppliers. For this purpose, an applied research was carried out, and the technical procedure utilized was bibliographic review based in some researches about Brazilian industrial condominiums. Thus, through the constitution of entrepreneurial agglomerations of suppliers in automotive industry it is possible to obtain logistic advantages in the transporting, stocking and warehousing activities. Besides, it is possible to maximize the supply chain management competitiveness through the establishment of trust and lasting relationships between the components of the whole chain.

Prospects for MEMS in the Automotive Industry

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Richard DIXON

2007-12-01

Full Text Available An automotive sector as a growth market for MEMS sensors is analyzed in the article. The automotive sector accounted for $1.6 billion, making this the second biggest opportunity after IT peripherals and inkjet print heads. By 2011 the market will top $2.2 billion, a CAGR of around 7%. The main applications in revenues terms are, in order, pressure sensors, gyroscopes, accelerometers and flow sensors and this will remain so for the foreseeable future. Automotive companies are forced to innovate as a result of competition and price pressures.

Evaluating Electronic Customer Relationship Management Performance: Case Studies from Persian Automotive and Computer Industry

OpenAIRE

Safari, Narges; Safari, Fariba; Olesen, Karin; Shahmehr, Fatemeh

2016-01-01

This research paper investigates the influence of industry on electronic customer relationship management (e-CRM) performance. A case study approach with two cases was applied to evaluate the influence of e-CRM on customer behavioral and attitudinal loyalty along with customer pyramid. The cases covered two industries consisting of computer and automotive industries. For investigating customer behavioral loyalty and customer pyramid companies database were computed while for examining custome...

Sustainable business models and the automotive industry: A commentary

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Peter Wells

2013-12-01

Full Text Available This commentary reviews the position articulated in an article published in 2004 that the business model prevalent in the automotive industry was inadequate to meeting the challenge of sustainability, and reviews the key developments since then. The most noticeable developments the commentary traces are the growth in academic interest in business models, a more responsive government policy particularly in respect of new technologies, and the practical application of the concepts and ideas mooted in the original paper, notably with respect to electric vehicles.

Broadening the Concept of Poka Yoke Beyond Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Măgdoiu, Alex; Oprean, Constantin

2014-12-01

This paper will present the development of the poka yoke systems, which were initially created and implemented just for the automotive industry, also to other domains. For some fields like medicine, constructions or software development there are already articles available on the benefits brought by poka yoke systems' implementation. Besides these domains the article will contribute to the recognition of poka yoke systems in fields where, although error proofing systems are used, no link to the poka yoke method was made by the authors, creators and users

The Productivity Analysis of Chennai Automotive Industry Cluster

Science.gov (United States)

Bhaskaran, E.

2014-07-01

Chennai, also called the Detroit of India, is India's second fastest growing auto market and exports auto components and vehicles to US, Germany, Japan and Brazil. For inclusive growth and sustainable development, 250 auto component industries in Ambattur, Thirumalisai and Thirumudivakkam Industrial Estates located in Chennai have adopted the Cluster Development Approach called Automotive Component Cluster. The objective is to study the Value Chain, Correlation and Data Envelopment Analysis by determining technical efficiency, peer weights, input and output slacks of 100 auto component industries in three estates. The methodology adopted is using Data Envelopment Analysis of Output Oriented Banker Charnes Cooper model by taking net worth, fixed assets, employment as inputs and gross output as outputs. The non-zero represents the weights for efficient clusters. The higher slack obtained reveals the excess net worth, fixed assets, employment and shortage in gross output. To conclude, the variables are highly correlated and the inefficient industries should increase their gross output or decrease the fixed assets or employment. Moreover for sustainable development, the cluster should strengthen infrastructure, technology, procurement, production and marketing interrelationships to decrease costs and to increase productivity and efficiency to compete in the indigenous and export market.

Hydrogen patent portfolios in the automotive industry - the search for promising storage methods

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bakker, S.

2010-01-01

In the development of hydrogen vehicle technologies, the automotive industry adopts a portfolio approach; a multitude of technological options is developed for hydrogen storage and conversion. Patent portfolios of car manufacturers are used as indicators of the variation and selection dynamics of

Adverse effects of the automotive industry on carbon dioxide emissions

OpenAIRE

Mpho Bosupeng

2016-01-01

This study aims to determine the effects of the automotive industry on carbon dioxide emissions for the period from 1997 to 2010 for diverse economies, as well as the relationships between carbon dioxide discharges and output. The study applies cointegration and causality tests to validate these associations. The results of the Johansen cointegration test depict long-run associations between the quantity of passenger cars and carbon dioxide emissions in France, Sweden, Spain, Hungary and Japa...

The impact of ISO/TS 16949 on automotive industries and created organizational capabilities from its implementation

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Bakhtiar Ostadi

2010-12-01

Full Text Available ISO/TS 16949 is an ISO Technical Specification. ISO/TS 16949 achieves the objectives which are continually to improve the production of automobile parts and related services, and to strengthen the international competition for the automotive industry and its suppliers. By applying this quality system standard, automotive manufacturers could offer superior products and good services to customers. The more the companies know about the benefits if quality management systems such as ISO/TS 16949, better they can seek interest and determine indices of these systems. So, this standard has been implemented in companies considering a number of benefits. In this paper, we carry out an empirical study in order to verify the importance these benefits and ranking them based on the value of importance. Finally, the study tends to provide a reference guide considering benefits assessment and created organizational capabilities from this standard for the automotive industry in pursuing ISO/TS 16949 and procuring maximum benefit from the results.

Work-related heat stress concerns in automotive industries: a case study from Chennai, India.

Science.gov (United States)

Ayyappan, Ramalingam; Sankar, Sambandam; Rajkumar, Paramasivan; Balakrishnan, Kalpana

2009-11-11

Work-related heat stress assessments, the quantification of thermal loads and their physiological consequences have mostly been performed in non-tropical developed country settings. In many developing countries (many of which are also tropical), limited attempts have been made to create detailed job-exposure profiles for various sectors. We present here a case study from Chennai in southern India that illustrates the prevalence of work-related heat stress in multiple processes of automotive industries and the efficacy of relatively simple controls in reducing prevalence of the risk through longitudinal assessments. We conducted workplace heat stress assessments in automotive and automotive parts manufacturing units according to the protocols recommended by NIOSH, USA. Sites for measurements included indoor locations with process-generated heat exposure, indoor locations without direct process-generated heat exposure and outdoor locations. Nearly 400 measurements of heat stress were made over a four-year period at more than 100 locations within eight units involved with automotive or automotive parts manufacturing in greater Chennai metropolitan area. In addition, cross-sectional measurements were made in select processes of glass manufacturing and textiles to estimate relative prevalence of heat stress. Results indicate that many processes even in organised large-scale industries have yet to control heat stress-related hazards adequately. Upwards of 28% of workers employed in multiple processes were at risk of heat stress-related health impairment in the sectors assessed. Implications of longitudinal baseline data for assessing efficacy of interventions as well as modelling potential future impacts from climate change (through contributions from worker health and productivity impairments consequent to increases in ambient temperature) are described. The study re-emphasises the need for recognising heat stress as an important occupational health risk in both formal

Status and Outlook for the U.S. Non-Automotive Fuel Cell Industry: Impacts of Government Policies and Assessment of Future Opportunities

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Greene, David L. [Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Duleep, K. G. [ICF International, Fairfax, VA (United States); Upreti, Girish [Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)

2011-05-15

Non-Automotive Fuel Cell Industry, Government Policy and Future Opportunities. Fuel cells (FCs)are considered essential future energy technologies by developed and developing economies alike. Several countries, including the United States, Japan, Germany,and South Korea have established publicly funded R&D and market transformation programs to develop viable domestic FC industries for both automotive and nonautomotive applications.

Stock Control in Automotive Industry with Simulation Utilization

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Petra Vegnerová

2008-12-01

Full Text Available At this time in economic environment there is the big trend of coming logistical chain, supply chain and supply chain management (SCM. SCM deals with material and information flows control, inventory management, demand forecast, production plan optimalization, distribution management etc. Nowadays for effective purchase, production and distribution plan and control in companies are utilized the simulation and simulation programmes. This paper deals with the simulation programme Witness and its utilization for finding of results real problems – simulation utilization for stocks solution in automotive industry. The model can be used for the determination of new delivery system of materials and for stocks reduction.

Get Your Automotive Program Nationally Certified!

Science.gov (United States)

Lundquist, Patricia A.

2000-01-01

Automotive programs that nationally certified enhance student recruitment and give students better employment opportunities. Technicians who earn the Automotive Service Excellence credential have joined the ranks of professionals in the automotive service industry. (Author/JOW)

European Automotive Congress

CERN Document Server

Clenci, Adrian

2016-01-01

The volume includes selected and reviewed papers from the European Automotive Congress held in Bucharest, Romania, in November 2015. Authors are experts from research, industry and universities coming from 14 countries worldwide. The papers are covering the latest developments in fuel economy and environment, automotive safety and comfort, automotive reliability and maintenance, new materials and technologies, traffic and road transport systems, advanced engineering methods and tools, as well as advanced powertrains and hybrid and electric drives.

A novel industry grade dataset for fault prediction based on model-driven developed automotive embedded software

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Altinger, H.; Siegl, S.; Dajsuren, Y.; Wotawa, F.

2015-01-01

In this paper, we present a novel industry dataset on static software and change metrics for Matlab/Simulink models and their corresponding auto-generated C source code. The data set comprises data of three automotive projects developed and tested accordingly to industry standards and restrictive

DOES PARTICIPATIVE MANAGEMENT PRODUCE SATISFIED EMPLOYEES? EVIDENCE FROM THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Miodraga Stefanovska–Petkovska

2015-04-01

Full Text Available The effect of participative management on job satisfaction was examined in an automotive sales company in Macedonia. The information was collected from 150 employees. Three components of participatory management was analyzed in the research (1 participatory management style (2 participatory strategic planning process and (3 effective supervisory communication. Results showed that there was a positive relationship between all three components of participatory management and job satisfaction. The relationship between participatory management and job satisfaction was analyzed using statistical methods to determine the correlations and OLS regression model. The study highlights methodological developments in determining the effect of participatory management on job satisfaction in the automotive sales industry. The findings suggest that there is a positive relationship between both and it is therefore important to sustain these factors in order to maintain employees’ motivation.

Contribution of the automotive industry to the U.S. economy in 1998 : the nation and its fifty states

Science.gov (United States)

2001-12-01

The automotive industry is the largest manufacturing industry in the United States. No other single industry is linked to as much of the U.S. manufacturing or generates as much retail business and employment. The study describes the economic and soci...

Aspects économiques de l'industrie automobile dans le monde Economic Aspects of the Auto-Motive Industry in the World

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Valais M.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available Cette étude décrit les caractéristiques et les implications économiques les plus importantes de l'industrie automobile dans le monde. Après avoir situé l'importance des grands pays constructeurs mondiaux par leurs productions, leurs parcs et leurs échanges, la situation de la France est étudiée plus particulièrement. Cette analyse plus fine montre la structure et aussi les relations de l'industrie automobile française avec son marché, ses concurrents extérieurs, l'économie nationale tout entière et celle de ses utilisateurs. This survey covers the most important features and economic implications of the automotive industry in the world. After situating the positions of the leading worldwide manufacturers with regard to their output, the number of their vehicles in use and their foreign trade, special attention is paid to the situation of France. This closer analysis shows the structure of the automotive industry as well as its relations with its market, its foreign markets, the national economy as a whole and that of its users.

HOW TO IMPROVE TEAM EFFECTIVENESS THROUGH GROUP PROCESSES: AN EXAMPLE IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rocio Meneses

2015-09-01

Full Text Available Increasing group and team effectiveness is fundamental for any organisation, especially during periods of economic crisis. In order to build or design a team or to optimise its work, it is necessary to consider tasks, processes and results. Given that teams are a key tool for competitiveness in the automotive sector, this paper focuses on how to improve the performance and the effectiveness of production teams in Spain's automotive industry through three processes: group development, group identification, and team potency. The results show that these processes predict 57% of group performance, and in particular two of the effectiveness criteria used in this sector: absenteeism and order and hygiene in the workplace. We discuss the usefulness of these results for managers and team leaders in order to improve team performance and effectiveness in the automotive sector.

The organization of the automotive industry in an international context: a cost functions frontiers approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pompeigne, J.

2003-07-01

The international automotive industry is under pinned by a dual recurrent movement of concentration and internationalization of the production. Its recent scale was the consequence of a set of strategies developed by the major auto-makers to cope with two exogenous phenomenon affecting the automotive industry. On one hand, we are talking about the saturation of the traditional automotive markets (North America, Western Europe and Japan). On the other hand, the increasing severity of the major regulations concerning the industry, notably the ones about environmental protection, is involved. The first part of the dissertation is first devoted to underline these two exogenous phenomenon, then the major strategies adopted by the auto-makers to face them are defined. Finally, the analysis turns on the resulting increase of the concentration and of the internationalization of the production. We focus on this last point and on the problem of international location of industrial activities faced by the auto-makers because of it. The second part is about providing an empirical framework to help solving these problems through parametric stochastic cost production frontiers and cost-efficiency levels. For this purpose, the analytical foundations of both of these notions are introduced, then several empirical estimation methods of a cost frontier are exposed. Finally, these methods are used to treat two real examples illustrating some of the problems about the international location of the productive activities of a major auto-maker. The point for him is to choose the most favorable configuration of its industrial system, by comparing the competing solutions through their respective cost-efficiency levels. The benefit of using additional data analysis methods to draw these comparisons is shown. (author)

The flow in an oil/water plate heat exchanger for the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Lozano , A.; Barreras , F.; Fueyo , N.; Santodomingo , S.

2008-01-01

The flow in an oil/water plate heat exchanger for the automotive industry correspondence: Corresponding author. Tel.: +34976716463; fax: +34976716456. (Lozano, A.) (Lozano, A.) LITEC/CSIC--> , Mar?'a de Luna 10--> , 50018--> , Zaragoza--> - SPAIN (Lozano, A.) SPAIN (Lozano, A.) LITEC/CSIC--> , Mar?'a de Luna 10--> , 50018--> , Zaragoza--> - S...

Chemical pretreatment of continuous galvanized steel sheet in the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Kuhm, P.

2013-01-01

Since several years, new products appeared on the market replacing classic phosphate – based conversioncoatings. This presentation will focus on the replacement of tricationic zinc phosphating systems for theautomotive industry. The basic chemistry and coating properties are presented.In the second part of the presentation, an outlook will be given on anti-corrosion packages for the comingdecade. An example of a very lean automotive paint shop will be discussed.

Improving production control within the automotive industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Simon, R L

1982-01-01

The problems of controlling and minimising design and manufacturing information within the automotive industry are both costly and do not make maximum use of previous experience. With the advent of CAD/CAM, many new techniques have evolved for the speedy construction of design and manufacturing data bases. A means of binding together these data bases and controlling the design and process planning information is now presented in the form of Computervision's Migraphics and Miplan software. This gives a data retrieval capability from all area's of the production cycle including design and detail, numerical control and robotics, process planning, manufacture and procurement. Together with its numerous analytical capabilities this sorftware provides an excellent tool for the optimisation of manufacturing techniques, thus providing a complete CAD/CAM system from a single data base.

Cross Cultural Logistics and Supply Chain Management Towards Organizational Effectiveness within the Asean/Thai Automotive Industries: A Sem Analysis

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dansomboon Suwaj

2016-09-01

Full Text Available As a manufacturing, logistics and supply chain hub within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand holds the 12th spot in global vehicle production for an estimated 2,355 Thai and multinational automotive industry enterprises. Within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Thailand ranks number one in automotive production contributing $US11.4 billion to the Thai economy and 12 percent to Thailand’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product, with the automotive industry being Thailand’s leading export sector. However, the automotive companies envisage the difficulty of cultural diversity to manage and coordinate. Therefore, cultural values from the milieu are inducted into the workplace and have a strong impact on both individual behavior and organizational effectiveness and must be direction at all levels for cross-cultural, organizational effectiveness to be achieved. It also became evident that natural disasters are frequent and highly disruptive to the global automotive supply chain and paces must be taken to countervailing the notable and continuing loss to economic growth and organizational effectiveness to both sector units and the global industry. The implementation of strategically placed, environmentally ‘habituated’, automotive parts logistics cache might be one solution to the problem. Given the crucial importance of this sector to the economy of the region and the global supply chain, the researchers surveyed 220 managers using a 7-point Likert scale questionnaire within the multinational industrial clusters of Thailand’s ‘Detroit of Asia’ Eastern Seaboard region. Using Structural Equation Modelling to test the 11 variables on Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management and Organizational Effectiveness in a cross-cultural context, it was determined that collaboration within the supply chain and the exchange of information can reduce uncertainty, with trust being a key ingredient to a JV’s success

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

NICOLETA ISAC

2010-01-01

Full Text Available The automotive sector is characterised by a relatively low trade/salesratio. While the production of most automotive producers in the world is spread over variouscountries in the value chain, the brands are still considered to reflect some national identity.Internationalisation strategies may change over the lifecycle of the product and automakerstend to pursue diametrically opposed strategies. In mature markets, it is about managing whatgoes on beneath a static surface; in emerging markets’ dynamic environments, companies muststrategically position themselves to benefit from growth opportunities. However, without theright strategy and execution in mature markets, it is clear that traditional OEMs cannot profitfrom emerging markets-the persistence of structural issues in mature market operationseventually will rob all but the most resilient competitors of the opportunity to compete inemerging markets.

Roadmap for Lean implementation in Indian automotive component manufacturing industry: comparative study of UNIDO Model and ISM Model

Science.gov (United States)

Jadhav, J. R.; Mantha, S. S.; Rane, S. B.

2015-06-01

The demands for automobiles increased drastically in last two and half decades in India. Many global automobile manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers have already set up research, development and manufacturing facilities in India. The Indian automotive component industry started implementing Lean practices to fulfill the demand of these customers. United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has taken proactive approach in association with Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and the Government of India to assist Indian SMEs in various clusters since 1999 to make them globally competitive. The primary objectives of this research are to study the UNIDO-ACMA Model as well as ISM Model of Lean implementation and validate the ISM Model by comparing with UNIDO-ACMA Model. It also aims at presenting a roadmap for Lean implementation in Indian automotive component industry. This paper is based on secondary data which include the research articles, web articles, doctoral thesis, survey reports and books on automotive industry in the field of Lean, JIT and ISM. ISM Model for Lean practice bundles was developed by authors in consultation with Lean practitioners. The UNIDO-ACMA Model has six stages whereas ISM Model has eight phases for Lean implementation. The ISM-based Lean implementation model is validated through high degree of similarity with UNIDO-ACMA Model. The major contribution of this paper is the proposed ISM Model for sustainable Lean implementation. The ISM-based Lean implementation framework presents greater insight of implementation process at more microlevel as compared to UNIDO-ACMA Model.

Determinants of the quality of sintered steel for the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Barbara Lisiecka

2016-03-01

Full Text Available The increasing demand on components obtained using powder metallurgy is driven by economic changes that have turned product quality into the most basic criterion which affects the interest in a component and its successful use. The improvement in quality should be expected in the beginning of the planning of the technological process and selection of adequate raw materials. High requirements concerning product quality management and production improvement stimulates the development of the current automotive industry where sintered steels represent the highest percentage of products. The multiphase sinters investigated in the study were prepared from two types of water–atomized steel powders: 316L and 409L. Optical microscopy, X–ray phase analysis and examinations of microhardness were performed in order to determine the microstructure and basic properties of sintered steels. The main assumption for this study was to analyse the microstructure and mechanical properties of sintered steels used for manufacturing of various car parts.

An investigation of low ergonomics risk awareness, among staffs at early product development phase in Malaysia automotive industries

Science.gov (United States)

Aziz, Fazilah Abdul; Razali, Noraini; Najmiyah Jaafar, Nur

2016-02-01

Currently there are many automotive companies still unable to effectively prevent consequences of poor ergonomics in their manufacturing processes. This study purpose is to determine the surrounding factors that influence low ergonomics risk awareness among staffs at early product development phase in Malaysia automotive industry. In this study there are four variables, low ergonomic risk awareness, inappropriate method and tools, tight development schedule and lack of management support. The survey data were gathered from 245 respondents of local automotive companies in Malaysia. The data was analysed through multiple regression and moderated regression using the IBM SPSS software. Study results revealed that low ergonomic risk awareness has influenced by inappropriate method and tool, and tight development schedule. There were positive linear relationships between low ergonomic risk awareness and inappropriate method and tools, and tight development schedule. The more inappropriate method and tools applied; the lower their ergonomic risk awareness. The more tight development schedule is the lower ergonomic risk awareness. The relationship between low ergonomic risk awareness and inappropriate method and tools depends on staff's age, and education level. Furthermore the relationship between low ergonomic risk awareness and tight development schedule depends on staff's working experience and number of project involvement. The main contribution of this paper was identified the number of factors of low ergonomics risk awareness and offers better understanding on ergonomics among researchers and automotive manufacturer's employees during product development process.

Automotive Industry in Malaysia

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Wad, Peter; Govindaraju, V.G.R. Chandran

2011-01-01

) limited participation in the global value chain. Although the Malaysian infant industry protection policy comprised many promising initiatives, the national and the overall domestic automobile industry ended up as a captive of the regionalised Japanese keiretsu system in automobile manufacturing. A new...... expanded in terms of sales, production, employment and local content, but failed in industrial upgrading and international competitiveness. The failures can be attributed to (a) lack of political promotion for high challenge-high support environment, (b) low technological and marketing capabilities and (c...... transformation is required to push the industry beyond its current performance through a more strategic productive coalition with multiple stakeholders including trade unions....

MEMS for automotive and aerospace applications

CERN Document Server

Kraft, Michael

2013-01-01

MEMS for automotive and aerospace applications reviews the use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) in developing solutions to the unique challenges presented by the automotive and aerospace industries.Part one explores MEMS for a variety of automotive applications. The role of MEMS in passenger safety and comfort, sensors for automotive vehicle stability control applications and automotive tire pressure monitoring systems are considered, along with pressure and flow sensors for engine management, and RF MEMS for automotive radar sensors. Part two then goes on to explore MEMS for

HIL Simulation of Power Electronics and Electric Drives for Automotive Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Frank Puschmann

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Hardware-in-the-loop simulation is today a standard method for testing electronic equipment in the automotive industry. Since electric drives and power electronic devices are more and more important in automotive applications, these kinds of systems have to be integrated into the hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Power converters and electric drives are used in many different applications in vehicles today (hybrid electric or electric powertrain, electric steering systems, DC-DC converters, etc.. The wide range of applications, topologies, and power levels results in various different approaches and solutions for hardware-in-the-loop testing. This paper gives an overview of hardware-in-the-loop simulation of power electronics and electric drives in the automotive industry. The currently available technologies are described and future challenges are outlined.

The Perceptions of the Automotive Supply Industry Related to Information Technology Utilization and Creating Barriers to Competitive Market Entry: A Case Study of the Implications for Strategic Planning

Science.gov (United States)

Cargal, Joseph L.

2010-01-01

The purpose of this study was to examine information technology/systems strategy related factors in the automotive supply industry based on responses to the Strategic Planning and Business Performance Survey provided to automotive suppliers. This population produces supplies to the automotive industry with products valued at hundreds of billions…

The necessity of a dual education system for Romanian automotive industry. Case study: The German dual vocational training

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pîrlog Ramona

2017-01-01

Full Text Available According to the official data, Romania has more than 600 companies involved in the automotive industry, with more than 203,600 employees. However the automotive industry is facing a real problem when it comes to finding skilled work force. In the west part of the country, the unemployment rate is negative and companies are forced to find solutions for their lack of personnel. This study presents the solutions that were taken by Germany in order to solve the matter. A dual education system was implemented which combines trainings in a company with vocational education. This kind of system is practiced in countries such as: Germany, Austria, Switzerland and South Korea. As of 2005 young German people can learn one of 356 apprenticeship occupations through this program. In France, dual education has gained a lot of popularity since the 1990s. In order to gain more experience and have multilateral development, in Germany the students are also send to workshops run by guilds or chamber of commerce. The advantages of the dual training system are numerous and this program can help the industry by providing skilled workers with flexible qualifications, solution which may as well be suitable for the Romanian Automotive Industry.

Treatment of automotive industry oily wastewater by electrocoagulation: statistical optimization of the operational parameters.

Science.gov (United States)

GilPavas, Edison; Molina-Tirado, Kevin; Gómez-García, Miguel Angel

2009-01-01

An electrocoagulation process was used for the treatment of oily wastewater generated from an automotive industry in Medellín (Colombia). An electrochemical cell consisting of four parallel electrodes (Fe and Al) in bipolar configuration was implemented. A multifactorial experimental design was used for evaluating the influence of several parameters including: type and arrangement of electrodes, pH, and current density. Oil and grease removal was defined as the response variable for the statistical analysis. Additionally, the BOD(5), COD, and TOC were monitored during the treatment process. According to the results, at the optimum parameter values (current density = 4.3 mA/cm(2), distance between electrodes = 1.5 cm, Fe as anode, and pH = 12) it was possible to reach a c.a. 95% oils removal, COD and mineralization of 87.4% and 70.6%, respectively. A final biodegradability (BOD(5)/COD) of 0.54 was reached.

Aluminium cables in automotive applications : Prestudy of aluminium cable uses in Scania products&Failure analysis and evaluation

OpenAIRE

Man, Yu

2016-01-01

The increasing demand of light constructed vehicles as well as soaring price of copper metal owing to limited nature resources have been promoting the use of aluminium metal as an alternative conductor of automotive cables. This thesis work is to lay theoretical foundations for further research and development regarding the introduction of new automotive cables i.e. aluminium cables. Current application of automotive aluminium cables in automotive industry as well as failure analysis and eval...

Irradiation Crosslinking of Polyamides for the Electrical and Automotive Industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gehring, J.

2006-01-01

Irradiation crosslinking of electrical cables and heat shrinkable tubes have been widely accepted in the automotive and electrical industry for a long time. Due higher demands regarding temperature resistance, arc resistance and good chemical resistance against oil and greases crosslinked injection moulded parts made out of polyamid and polybutylentherephtalate become also more and more interesting. Crosslinked polyamide can also replace thermosets for switches and offers therefore additional financial benefits. It will be shown on the basis of already realized projects, which basic requirements exist and how irradiation crosslinking can fulfil these demands

Is a Long Term Work in Automotive Industry a Risk Factor for Renal ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

Subjects and Methods: In a historical cohort study, workers of automotive industry who worked in production and had low exposure to metal fumes were selected and divided to three groups with 5–10, 11–20, and 21–30 years work duration. risk factors for renal diseases were collected and analyzed with SPSS using ...

A materials selection procedure for sandwiched beams via parametric optimization with applications in automotive industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Aly, Mohamed F.; Hamza, Karim T.; Farag, Mahmoud M.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Sandwich panels optimization model. • Sandwich panels design procedure. • Study of sandwich panels for automotive vehicle flooring. • Study of sandwich panels for truck cabin exterior. - Abstract: The future of automotive industry faces many challenges in meeting increasingly strict restrictions on emissions, energy usage and recyclability of components alongside the need to maintain cost competiveness. Weight reduction through innovative design of components and proper material selection can have profound impact towards attaining such goals since most of the lifecycle energy usage occurs during the operation phase of a vehicle. In electric and hybrid vehicles, weight reduction has another important effect of extending the electric mode driving range between stops or gasoline mode. This paper adopts parametric models for design optimization and material selection of sandwich panels with the objective of weight and cost minimization subject to structural integrity constraints such as strength, stiffness and buckling resistance. The proposed design procedure employs a pre-compiled library of candidate sandwich panel material combinations, for which optimization of the layered thicknesses is conducted and the best one is reported. Example demonstration studies from the automotive industry are presented for the replacement of Aluminum and Steel panels with polypropylene-filled sandwich panel alternatives

Lasers in the automobile industry

Science.gov (United States)

Roessler, David M.; Uddin, Nasin

1996-04-01

The use of lasers for automotive materials processing is reviewed both from an historical perspective and in terms of current trends. The initial lead gained in North America has subsequently given way to the remarkable growth in the use of lasers in the Japanese automotive industry. The latter's dominance has resulted in cutting being the most common laser machining application on a global basis, even though welding predominates in the US. About 98% of all automotive laser materials processing employs either CO2 or Nd:YAG lasers, although there are special applications where the excimer or other lasers can be found. This paper discusses two of the processes currently receiving most attention. Laser technology is not stagnant and the automotive industry continues to benefit from the continuing developments. However, even more striking growth can be expected as the whole process of automotive manufacture is being re-examined in response to the demands for more fuel- efficient and environmentally friendly, but still affordable and satisfying, vehicles.

ROS (Robot Operating System) für Automotive

OpenAIRE

Bubeck, Alexander

2014-01-01

- Introduction into the Robot Operating System - Open Source in the automotive industries - Application of ROS in the automotive industry - ROS navigation - ROS with real time control - ROS in the embedded world - Outlook: ROS 2.0 - Summary

Measurement uncertainty and gauge capability of surface roughness measurements in the automotive industry: a case study

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Drégelyi-Kiss, Ágota; Czifra, Árpád

2014-01-01

The calculation methods of the capability of measurement processes in the automotive industry differ from each other. There are three main calculation methods: MSA, VDA 5 and the international standard, ISO 22514–7. During this research our aim was to compare the capability calculation methods in a case study. Two types of automotive parts (ten pieces of each) are chosen to examine the behaviour of the manufacturing process and to measure the required characteristics of the measurement process being evaluated. The measurement uncertainty of the measuring process is calculated according to the VDA 5 and ISO 22514–7, and MSA guidelines. In this study the conformance of a measurement process in an automotive manufacturing process is determined, and the similarities and the differences between the methods used are shown. (paper)

FE-Simulation Of Hemming In The Automotive Industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sigvant, Mats; Mattiasson, Kjell

2005-01-01

This paper summarizes and presents the most important results from a research project on FE simulation of hemming carried out at Volvo Cars Body Components and Chalmers University of Technology. In the automotive industry, hemming is used to join two sheet metal panels by bending the flange of the outer panel over the inner one. The final goal of the project was to simulate all of the hemming steps of production parts. In order to make three-dimensional simulations of hemming possible within reasonable simulation times, it is necessary to use shell elements and not solid elements. On the other hand, the radius of curvature of the outer part in the folded area is very small, normally of the same order of magnitude as the sheet thickness. This fact raises the question if shell elements are applicable in FE simulation of hemming. One part of the project was therefore a thorough investigation of the order of magnitude of the errors resulting from the use of shell elements in FE simulation of hemming. Another part of the project was devoted to three-dimensional simulations of the hemming of an automotive hood. The influence on the roll-in from several parameters, such as shell element formulation, adhesives, and anisotropy was studied. Finally, results from a forming simulation were also mapped to the flanging and hemming models in order to study the influence from the stamping of the outer panel on the roll-in

Scrap automotive electronics: A mini-review of current management practices.

Science.gov (United States)

Cucchiella, Federica; D'Adamo, Idiano; Rosa, Paolo; Terzi, Sergio

2016-01-01

End-of-life vehicles, together with waste from electric and electronic equipment, are known as an important source of secondary raw materials. For many years, their recovery has allowed the restoring of great amounts of metals for new cars production. This article provides a comprehensive mini-review on the end-of-life vehicles recycling topic between 2000 and 2014, with a particular focus on automotive electronics recycling. In fact, in the last years, experts focused their attention on a better exploitation of automotive shredder residue fraction, but not sufficiently on eventual electronic scraps embedded in it. Hence, studies assessing the value embedded in these scraps are rarely available in literature, causing an important gap in both recycling policies and research. The fact that, at present, the management of electronic control units (the most valuable component among automotive electronic equipment) is, as yet, off the radar in both end-of-life vehicles and waste from electric and electronic equipment Directives demonstrates the theory. Of course, their recycling would not contribute in a relevant way to reach the weighted-based recycling and recovery targets characterising current regulations, but would be very important under a critical raw materials recovery view. Results coming from the literature analysis confirm these assumptions. © The Author(s) 2015.

Automotive electronics design fundamentals

CERN Document Server

Zaman, Najamuz

2015-01-01

This book explains the topology behind automotive electronics architectures and examines how they can be profoundly augmented with embedded controllers. These controllers serve as the core building blocks of today’s vehicle electronics. Rather than simply teaching electrical basics, this unique resource focuses on the fundamental concepts of vehicle electronics architecture, and details the wide variety of Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) that enable the increasingly sophisticated "bells & whistles" of modern designs.  A must-have for automotive design engineers, technicians working in automotive electronics repair centers and students taking automotive electronics courses, this guide bridges the gap between academic instruction and industry practice with clear, concise advice on how to design and optimize automotive electronics with embedded controllers.

Deep Learning in the Automotive Industry: Applications and Tools

OpenAIRE

Luckow, Andre; Cook, Matthew; Ashcraft, Nathan; Weill, Edwin; Djerekarov, Emil; Vorster, Bennie

2017-01-01

Deep Learning refers to a set of machine learning techniques that utilize neural networks with many hidden layers for tasks, such as image classification, speech recognition, language understanding. Deep learning has been proven to be very effective in these domains and is pervasively used by many Internet services. In this paper, we describe different automotive uses cases for deep learning in particular in the domain of computer vision. We surveys the current state-of-the-art in libraries, ...

Evaluating core technology capacity based on an improved catastrophe progression method: the case of automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Shijia; Liu, Zongwei; Wang, Yue; Zhao, Fuquan

2017-01-01

Subjectivity usually causes large fluctuations in evaluation results. Many scholars attempt to establish new mathematical methods to make evaluation results consistent with actual objective situations. An improved catastrophe progression method (ICPM) is constructed to overcome the defects of the original method. The improved method combines the merits of the principal component analysis' information coherence and the catastrophe progression method's none index weight and has the advantage of highly objective comprehensive evaluation. Through the systematic analysis of the influencing factors of the automotive industry's core technology capacity, the comprehensive evaluation model is established according to the different roles that different indices play in evaluating the overall goal with a hierarchical structure. Moreover, ICPM is developed for evaluating the automotive industry's core technology capacity for the typical seven countries in the world, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the method.

Automotive perspective on laser material processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Roessler, D.M.

1989-01-01

In this paper a broad review is given of the development and use of laser processing in the automotive industry. a brief introduction to the major types of processing lasers and related systems is followed by a summary of the major processing regimes. Examples are given of the automotive industry's use of lasers in a variety of applications, from heat treating and welding, to cutting and marking

Mediating effect of sustainable product development on relationship between quality management practices and organizational performance: Empirical study of Malaysian automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, Mohd Akhir; Asaad, Mohd Norhasni; Saad, Rohaizah; Iteng, Rosman; Rahim, Mohd Kamarul Irwan Abdul

2016-08-01

Global competition in the automotive industry has encouraged companies to implement quality management practices in all managerial aspects to ensure customer satisfaction in products and reduce costs. Therefore, guaranteeing only product quality is insufficient without considering product sustainability, which involves economic, environment, and social elements. Companies that meet both objectives gain advantages in the modern business environment. This study addresses the issues regarding product quality and sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Malaysian automotive industry. A research was carried out in 91 SMEs automotive suppliers in throughout Malaysia. The analyzed using SPSS ver.23 has been proposed in correlation study. Specifically, this study investigates the relationship between quality management practices and organizational performance as well as the mediating effect of sustainable product development on this relationship.

Managing knowledge boundaries for open innovation - lessons from the automotive industry : lessons from the automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Wilhelm, Miriam; Dolfsma, Wilfred

2018-01-01

Purpose - The rising need to innovate and obtain knowledge from more distant knowledge sources calls for new innovation strategies and a better integration of other external actors who lie outside the traditional automotive supply chain. Such an open innovation strategy challenges organizational

An Application of Value Stream Mapping in Production Flow Analysis: A lean approach in An Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Krushnaraj Bodana

2016-08-01

Full Text Available Lean manufacturing deals with a manufacturing process improvement based on the fundamental goal of Toyota production system in order to minimize or eliminate waste while maximizing production flow. Today in a highly competitive local and global market, it is very much crucial to satisfy the changing demand of the customers. Thus, in today’s manufacturing industry there is an increased focus to produce the right product at right time. The prime objective of this paper to apply a significant lean manufacturing tool know as Value Stream Mapping (VSM. To fulfil this objective a fundamental principles of lean were implemented and VSM was generated to analyse the production flow at an automotive industry and improve the current operating condition to overcome the difficulties with current state of work through time study, Takt time calculation, modifying work cell layout. And based on the future state of VSM, final results showed that by implementing this lean techniques, Production Lead-time (PLT decreased from 7.6 days to 3.2 days, and the cycle time is decrease up to 73%.

Analysis of the Theoretical Relationships Between Product and Production Modularity and their Implications in the Automotive Industry

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Kubota, Flávio Issao; Cauchick Miguel, Paulo Augusto; Hsuan, Juliana

Research in modularity design and in production systems in the automotive industry is increasing, as many Western and Japanese firms are applying this concept. This study focuses the relationships between modularity in design (MID) and production (MIP). After analysing 60 papers on MID and MIP...... in automotive companies, it was observed that some publications suggest that relationships between MID and MIP can be twoways, i.e. not only the former affects the latter, but the latter also affects the former. Conclusively, the relationships between MID and MIP are relevant and future studies should emphasise...

Synergy of fuzzy AHP and Six Sigma for capacity waste management in Indian automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Rajeev Rathi

2015-07-01

Full Text Available Capacity waste management is highly essential because under utilization of capacity is often referred to as a major reason for lower productivity among industries around the world. For better estimation of capacity and its utilization and then for its improved management; newer techniques are being devised in industrial sector. The current case of capacity waste problem has been taken up as a Six Sigma project, where we try to analyze critical factors responsible for the capacity waste. Decisions on critical factor selection in analysis phase of Six Sigma are always very crucial. The paper discusses an approach for selection of capacity waste factors at an automotive industry using fuzzy logic based AHP method. The fuzzy AHP is a well recognized tool to undertake the fuzziness of the data involved in choosing the preferences of the different decision variables engaged in the process of capacity waste factors selection. In this context, we have explored six crucial parameters for selection of capacity waste factors. Final ranking is calculated through priority vector thus obtained and it is seen that conveyor malfunction is found to be the key factor for capacity waste among all alternatives at the selected site.

INFLUENCE OF AUTOMOTIVE CLUSTERS IN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Constantin BORDEI

2014-11-01

Full Text Available This paper proposes an overview of the evolution in the automotive sector in the process of regional development. The fundamental changes made by the component supplier sector improved the regional development and manufacturing process. Automotive industry is one of the modern sectors in many countries that benefits of a high technology impact and creates jobs that reduces unemployment across Europe. The auto industry changed cities, regions and countries into poles of development and it becomes more and more efficient. The high foreign direct investments from the automotive sector play an important role in regional development process. Continuous changes are being made in the economy, society, and company; in conclusion the automotive clusters will always be a subject of analysis.

Antenna Arrays and Automotive Applications

CERN Document Server

Rabinovich, Victor

2013-01-01

This book throws a lifeline to designers wading through mounds of antenna array patents looking for the most suitable systems for their projects. Drastically reducing the research time required to locate solutions to the latest challenges in automotive communications, it sorts and systematizes material on cutting-edge antenna arrays that feature multi-element communication systems with enormous potential for the automotive industry. These new systems promise to make driving safer and more efficient, opening up myriad applications, including vehicle-to-vehicle traffic that prevents collisions, automatic toll collection, vehicle location and fine-tuning for cruise control systems. This book’s exhaustive coverage begins with currently deployed systems, frequency ranges and key parameters. It proceeds to examine system geometry, analog and digital beam steering technology (including "smart" beams formed in noisy environments), maximizing signal-to-noise ratios, miniaturization, and base station technology that ...

SOI technology for power management in automotive and industrial applications

Science.gov (United States)

Stork, Johannes M. C.; Hosey, George P.

2017-02-01

Semiconductor on Insulator (SOI) technology offers an assortment of opportunities for chip manufacturers in the Power Management market. Recent advances in the automotive and industrial markets, along with emerging features, the increasing use of sensors, and the ever-expanding "Internet of Things" (IoT) are providing for continued growth in these markets while also driving more complex solutions. The potential benefits of SOI include the ability to place both high-voltage and low-voltage devices on a single chip, saving space and cost, simplifying designs and models, and improving performance, thereby cutting development costs and improving time to market. SOI also offers novel new approaches to long-standing technologies.

Predicting the Overall Spatial Quality of Automotive Audio Systems

Science.gov (United States)

Koya, Daisuke

The spatial quality of automotive audio systems is often compromised due to their unideal listening environments. Automotive audio systems need to be developed quickly due to industry demands. A suitable perceptual model could evaluate the spatial quality of automotive audio systems with similar reliability to formal listening tests but take less time. Such a model is developed in this research project by adapting an existing model of spatial quality for automotive audio use. The requirements for the adaptation were investigated in a literature review. A perceptual model called QESTRAL was reviewed, which predicts the overall spatial quality of domestic multichannel audio systems. It was determined that automotive audio systems are likely to be impaired in terms of the spatial attributes that were not considered in developing the QESTRAL model, but metrics are available that might predict these attributes. To establish whether the QESTRAL model in its current form can accurately predict the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems, MUSHRA listening tests using headphone auralisation with head tracking were conducted to collect results to be compared against predictions by the model. Based on guideline criteria, the model in its current form could not accurately predict the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems. To improve prediction performance, the QESTRAL model was recalibrated and modified using existing metrics of the model, those that were proposed from the literature review, and newly developed metrics. The most important metrics for predicting the overall spatial quality of automotive audio systems included those that were interaural cross-correlation (IACC) based, relate to localisation of the frontal audio scene, and account for the perceived scene width in front of the listener. Modifying the model for automotive audio systems did not invalidate its use for domestic audio systems. The resulting model predicts the overall spatial

Future directions for the development of Virtual Reality within an automotive manufacturer

OpenAIRE

Lawson, Glyn; Salanitri, Davide; Waterfield, Brian

2016-01-01

Virtual Reality (VR) can reduce time and costs, and lead to increases in quality, in the development of a product. Given the pressure on car companies to reduce time-to-market and to continually improve quality, the automotive industry has championed the use of VR across a number of applications, including design, manufacturing, and training. This paper describes interviews with 11 engineers and employees of allied disciplines from an automotive manufacturer about their current physical and ...

Advantages and challenges of dissimilar materials in automotive lightweight construction

Science.gov (United States)

Weberpals, Jan-Philipp; Schmidt, Philipp A.; Böhm, Daniel; Müller, Steffen

2015-03-01

The core of future automotive lightweight materials is the joining technology of various material mixes. The type of joining will be essential, particularly in electrified propulsion systems, especially as an improved electrical energy transmission leads to a higher total efficiency of the vehicle. The most evident parts to start the optimization process are the traction battery, the electrical performance modules and the engines. Consequently aluminum plays a very central role for lightweight construction applications. However, the physical-technical requirements of components often require the combination with other materials. Thus the joining of mixed material connections is an essential key technology for many of the current developments, for example in the areas E-Mobility, solar energy and lightweight construction. Due to these advantages mixed material joints are already established in the automotive industry and laser beam remote welding is now a focus technology for mixed material connections. The secret of the laser welding process with mixed materials lies within the different areas of the melting phase diagram depending on the mixing ratio and the cooling down rate. According to that areas with unwanted, prim, intermetallic phases arise in the fusion zone. Therefore, laser welding of mixed material connections can currently only be used with additional filler in the automotive industry.

Design logistics performance measurement model of automotive component industry for srengthening competitiveness of dealing AEC 2015

Science.gov (United States)

Amran, T. G.; Janitra Yose, Mindy

2018-03-01

As the free trade Asean Economic Community (AEC) causes the tougher competition, it is important that Indonesia’s automotive industry have high competitiveness as well. A model of logistics performance measurement was designed as an evaluation tool for automotive component companies to improve their logistics performance in order to compete in AEC. The design of logistics performance measurement model was based on the Logistics Scorecard perspectives, divided into two stages: identifying the logistics business strategy to get the KPI and arranging the model. 23 KPI was obtained. The measurement result can be taken into consideration of determining policies to improve the performance logistics competitiveness.

The Impact of Network Advertising and Marketing for the Automotive Industry%网络广告营销对汽车行业的影响

Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

李昉

2014-01-01

Automotive network advertising and marketing as the automotive industry and Internet industry product of the combination of rapid growth, much favored by the majority of car manufacturers in the market was a great success. Expounds the role in the Internet era, online advertising in the automotive industry, and also separately from the status quo, Problems and Development Strategies tripartite existence in the face of the automotive industry marketing, online advertising is analyzed.%汽车网络广告营销作为高速发展的汽车产业和互联网产业结合的产物，备受广大汽车制造商的青睐，在市场上获得了巨大的成功。主要阐述了在互联网时代，网络广告在汽车行业中的作用，还分别从发展现状、存在的问题和发展对策三方面对汽车行业网络广告营销进行了分析。

Identifying Critical Success Factors for TQM and Employee Performance in Malaysian Automotive Industry: A Literature Review

Science.gov (United States)

Nadia Dedy, Aimie; Zakuan, Norhayati; Zaidi Bahari, Ahamad; Ariff, Mohd Shoki Md; Chin, Thoo Ai; Zameri Mat Saman, Muhamad

2016-05-01

TQM is a management philosophy embracing all activities through which the needs and expectations of the customer and the community and the goals of the companies are satisfied in the most efficient and cost effective way by maximizing the potential of all workers in a continuing drive for total quality improvement. TQM is very important to the company especially in automotive industry in order for them to survive in the competitive global market. The main objective of this study is to review a relationship between TQM and employee performance. Authors review updated literature on TQM study with two main targets: (a) evolution of TQM considering as a set of practice, (b) and its impacts to employee performance. Therefore, two research questions are proposed in order to review TQM constructs and employee performance measure: (a) Is the set of critical success factors associated with TQM valid as a whole? (b) What is the critical success factors should be considered to measure employee performance in automotive industry?

Remediation of DDT-contaminated water and soil by using pretreated iron byproducts from the automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Satapanajaru, Tunlawit; Anurakpongsatorn, Patana; Pengthamkeerati, Patthra

2006-01-01

The objective of this study was to quantify the effectiveness of different pretreated iron byproducts from the automotive industry to degrade DDT [(1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) ethane] in aqueous solutions and soil slurry. Iron byproducts from automotive manufacturing were pretreated by three different methods (heating, solvent and 0.5N HCl acid washing) prior to experimentation. All pretreated irons were used at 5% (wt v-1) to treat 0.014 mM (5 mgL-1) of DDT in aqueous solution. Among the pretreated irons, acid pretreated iron results in the fastest destruction rates, with a pseudo first-order degradation rate of 0.364 d-1. By lowering the pH of the DDT aqueous solution from 9 to 3, destruction kinetic rates increase more than 20%. In addition, when DDT-contaminated soil slurry (3.54 mg kg-1) was incubated with 5% (wt v-1) acid-pretreated iron, more than 90% destruction of DDT was observed within 8 weeks. Moreover, DDT destruction kinetics were enhanced when Fe(II), Fe(III) or Al(III) sulfate salts were added to the soil slurry, with the following order of destruction kinetics: Al(III) sulfate > Fe(III) sulfate > Fe(II) sulfate. These results provide proof-of concept that inexpensive iron byproducts of the automotive industry can be used to remediate DDT-contaminated water and soil.

Should HIV and AIDS workplace programmes still be advocated in the automotive industry?

OpenAIRE

Liana Steenkamp; Jill von der Marwitz; Friederike Baasner-Weihs; Jacques Pietersen

2015-01-01

Orientation: In light of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic, and in order to improve competitiveness in the South African private sector, many structures have implemented subsidised workplace programmes. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to collect baseline data regarding the knowledge, attitudes, practices and belief (KAPB) of employees in the automotive industry in relation to HIV and AIDS, in order to assess the need for HIV and AIDS workplace programmes. Mot...

Modularity analysis of automotive control software

OpenAIRE

Dajsuren, Y.; Brand, van den, M.G.J.; Serebrenik, A.

2013-01-01

A design language and tool like MATLAB/Simulink is used for the graphical modelling and simulation of automotive control software. As the functionality based on electronics and software systems increases in motor vehicles, it is becoming increasingly important for system/software architects and control engineers in the automotive industry to ensure the quality of the highly complex MATLAB/Simulink control software. For automotive software, modularity is recognized as being a crucial quality a...

Current and Future Trends of the Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dieter Hermann Schramm

2015-12-01

Full Text Available Mobility, and especially individual physical mobility, is still an essential component of nearly all societies.The combustion engine was for more than a hundred years, and is still today, the backbone of road-based mobility. However, the guarantor for the triumphant advance of the combustion engine was by far not its technical superiority over its electrical rival at the beginning of the automobile era, but the energy density and the easy worldwide availability of fossil fuels as a means of energy storage. So, e.g. to store theenergy equivalent of one kg Gasoline, a lithium ion battery with a mass of about 180 kg would be required (Schramm, 2012, even if the higher efficiency of the electric motor vs. the combustion engine is taken into account. Actually an electric motor is much better suited as a drive source for a motor vehicle as an internal combustion engine. Only the achievable energy density along with the cost of its chemical-process based storage, the battery, still prevent its immediate breakthrough in the automotive drive technology.Nevertheless, the German Government has set the target to bring at least a million electrified motor vehicles on Germany's roads by 2020, which is already impossible to reach from today’s perspective.However, strategies are needed to achieve a sustainable transition to electric mobility. This, in addition to continued research on high-efficiency batteries which also includes the development of vehicles that offer a good compromise between coverage, costs and consumption while satisfying the mobility needs of their users.Another trend that will lead to a paradigm shift in the use of individually-powered vehicles is the automation of the task of driving up to the highly automated or even autonomous vehicle. The technical prerequisites like sensors and actuators for these new systems are already available at least for application on motorways and rural regions, e.g. in Germany. More activities

Remanufacturing in automotive industry: Challenges and limitations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Paulina Golinska

2011-10-01

Full Text Available Purpose: The aim of this paper is to provide the framework for management of reverse flow of materials in automotive industry. The emphasis is placed on the remanufacturing activities. Materials management in such conditions is a real challenge. The cause for this is parallel use of raw materials and reused materials. Such hybrid flows of materials are characterized by increased level of uncertainty connected with amount, quality and timing. Design/methodology/approach: This paper presents a comprehensive review of remanufacturing and traditional manufacturing. The stabilization of reverse flows is crucial for continuity of remanufacturing operations. The simulation model and results are discussed regarding stabilization of the reverse flows. Findings: Authors identify main problems that appear in the area of combining at the production system forward and reverse flows of materials. The agent-based technology is applied for configuration and stabilization of reverse network. Research limitations/implications: Paper is case – oriented. Practical implications: Both logistician and IT researchers might benefit from authors approach. Originality/value: Authors provide an interdisciplinary approach combining operations management, logistics and information technology.

Advanced Materials for Automotive Application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tisza, M

2013-01-01

In this paper some recent material developments will be overviewed mainly from the point of view of automotive industry. In car industry, metal forming is one of the most important manufacturing processes imposing severe restrictions on materials; these are often contradictory requirements, e.g. high strength simultaneously with good formability, etc. Due to these challenges and the ever increasing demand new material classes have been developed; however, the more and more wide application of high strength materials meeting the requirements stated by the mass reduction lead to increasing difficulties concerning the formability which requires significant technological developments as well. In this paper, the recent materials developments will be overviewed from the point of view of the automotive industry

Exploring the Upgrading of Chinese Automotive Manufacturing Industry in the Global Value Chain: An Empirical Study Based on Panel Data

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fucai Lu

2015-05-01

Full Text Available In the age of globalization, the upgrading of China’s manufacturing industries has attracted great attention from both academicians and practitioners, as it certainly has great implications for the development of China and, even further, for the development of the whole world. To address this issue, the study clarifies the effects of the internal technological innovation capability (ITIC and external linkages (ELs on upgrading the Chinese automotive manufacturing industry (CAMI in the global value chain, in order to indicate the appropriate way for the CAMI to be further upgraded and provide references for the formulation of regional automotive industrial policies. Based on Chinese panel data, the results confirm that both ITIC and EL are important for the upgrading of the CAMI, with ITIC being the more important. Improvement of ITIC facilitates the industry’s cooperation with the EL, resulting in better knowledge access. Furthermore, the results of cluster analysis reveal that regions with relatively developed automotive industries place emphasis on both the ITIC and EL. However, in some regions (e.g., Shanghai and Chongqing, the utility of EL seems insufficient. Therefore, the results of this paper, on the one hand, suggest policies should be directed towards increasing the ITIC of CAMI. On the other hand, in some regions, managers and policymakers need to explore further the advantage of clustering.

A website brand analysis of Romanian companies from automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. BRICIU

2017-07-01

Full Text Available The present study proposes an innovative analytical approach on branding and cultural concepts, looking at the correlation between them and the way the culture has an important contribution to the brand strategy of an organization. This pilot study has strictly focused on branding in the online environment and the objective of the research consists in applying the content analysis method on the official brand websites of different organizations, having a corpus of 50 companies in automotive industry, with the subsidiaries activating in Romania. The research instrument (i.e., the analysis coding scheme evolved having as reference the cultural dimensions defined and presented by Geert Hofstede and adapted to the online environment.

Advanced high strength steels for automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Galán, J.

2012-04-01

Full Text Available The car industry is facing pressure because of the growing demand for more fuel-efficient passenger cars. In order to limit energy consumption and air pollution the weight of the carbody has to be reduced. At the same time, high levels of safety have to be guaranteed. In this situation, the choice of material becomes a key decision in car design. As a response to the requirements of the automotive sector, high strength steels and advanced high strength steels have been developed by the steel industry. These modern steel grades offer an excellent balance of low cost, light weight and mechanical properties.

La industria del automóvil se enfrenta a una creciente demanda de vehículos de pasajeros más eficientes. Con el fin de disminuir el consumo de energía y la contaminación ambiental, el peso del vehículo tiene que ser reducido, al mismo tiempo que se garantizan altos niveles de seguridad. Ante esta situación, la elección de material se convierte en una decisión crucial en el diseño del vehículo. Como respuesta a las necesidades del sector automovilístico, nuevos aceros avanzados y de alta resistencia, han sido desarrollados por la industria siderúrgica. Dichos tipos de acero ofrecen un excelente equilibrio de precio, peso y propiedades mecánicas.

Upgrading the Center for Lightweighting Automotive Materials and Processing - a GATE Center of Excellence at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mallick, P. K.

2012-08-30

The Center for Lightweighting Materials and Processing (CLAMP) was established in September 1998 with a grant from the Department of Energy’s Graduate Automotive Technology Education (GATE) program. The center received the second round of GATE grant in 2005 under the title “Upgrading the Center for Lightweighting Automotive Materials and Processing”. Using the two grants, the Center has successfully created 10 graduate level courses on lightweight automotive materials, integrated them into master’s and PhD programs in Automotive Systems Engineering, and offered them regularly to the graduate students in the program. In addition, the Center has created a web-based lightweight automotive materials database, conducted research on lightweight automotive materials and organized seminars/symposia on lightweight automotive materials for both academia and industry. The faculty involved with the Center has conducted research on a variety of topics related to design, testing, characterization and processing of lightweight materials for automotive applications and have received numerous research grants from automotive companies and government agencies to support their research. The materials considered included advanced steels, light alloys (aluminum, magnesium and titanium) and fiber reinforced polymer composites. In some of these research projects, CLAMP faculty have collaborated with industry partners and students have used the research facilities at industry locations. The specific objectives of the project during the current funding period (2005 – 2012) were as follows: (1) develop new graduate courses and incorporate them in the automotive systems engineering curriculum (2) improve and update two existing courses on automotive materials and processing (3) upgrade the laboratory facilities used by graduate students to conduct research (4) expand the Lightweight Automotive Materials Database to include additional materials, design case studies and make it more

Development of Product Availability Monitoring System In Production Unit In Automotive Component Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Hartono, Rachmad; Raharno, Sri; Yuwana Martawirya, Yatna; Arthaya, Bagus

2018-03-01

This paper described a methodology to monitor the availability of products in a production unit in the automotive component industry. Automotive components made are automotive components made through sheet metal working. Raw material coming into production unit in the form of pieces of plates that have a certain size. Raw materials that come stored in the warehouse. Data of raw each material in the warehouse are recorded and stored in a data base system. The material will then undergo several production processes in the production unit. When the material is taken from the warehouse, material data are also recorded and stored in a data base. The data recorded are the amount of material, material type, and date when the material is out of the warehouse. The material coming out of the warehouse is labeled with information related to the production processes that the material must pass. Material out of the warehouse is a product will be made. The products have been completed, are stored in the warehouse products. When the product is entered into the product warehouse, product data is also recorded by scanning the barcode contained on the label. By recording the condition of the product at each stage of production, we can know the availability of the product in a production unit in the form of a raw material, the product being processed and the finished product.

Automotive fuels from biomass via gasification

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang, Wennan

2010-01-01

There exists already a market of bio-automotive fuels i.e. bioethanol and biodiesel produced from food crops in many countries. From the viewpoint of economics, environment, land use, water use and chemical fertilizer use, however, there is a strong preference for the use of woody biomass and various forest/agricultural residues as the feedstock. Thus, the production of 2nd generation of bio-automotive fuels i.e. synthetic fuels such as methanol, ethanol, DME, FT-diesel, SNG and hydrogen through biomass gasification seems promising. The technology of producing synthetic fuels is well established based on fossil fuels. For biomass, however, it is fairly new and the technology is under development. Starting from the present market of the 1st generation bio-automotive fuels, this paper is trying to review the technology development of the 2nd generation bio-automotive fuels from syngas platform. The production of syngas is emphasized which suggests appropriate gasifier design for a high quality syngas production. A number of bio-automotive fuel demonstration plant will be presented, which gives the state of the art in the development of BTS (biomass to synthetic fuels) technologies. It can be concluded that the 2nd generation bio-automotive fuels are on the way to a breakthrough in the transport markets of industrial countries especially for those countries with a strong forest industry. (author)

Application of Pyrolysis - Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry in Failure Analysis in the Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

Kusch, Peter (Dr.)

2015-01-01

This book chapter describes application examples of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and pyrolysis – gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in failure analysis for the identification of chemical materials like mineral oils and nitrile rubber gaskets. Furthermore, failure cases demanding identification of polymers/copolymers in fouling on the compressor wall of a car air conditioner and identification of fouling on the surface of a bearing race from the automotive industry are demonstr...

International Congress of Automotive and Transport Engineering

CERN Document Server

Ispas, Nicolae

2017-01-01

The volume will include selected and reviewed papers from CONAT - International Congress of Automotive and Transport Engineering to be held in Brasov, Romania, in October 2016. Authors are experts from research, industry and universities coming from 14 countries worldwide. The papers are covering the latest developments in automotive vehicles and environment, advanced transport systems and road traffic, heavy and special vehicles, new materials, manufacturing technologies and logistics, accident research and analysis and innovative solutions for automotive vehicles. The conference will be organized by SIAR (Society of Automotive Engineers from Romania) in cooperation with FISITA. .

Pineapple leaf fiber as reinforce in composite materials, an alternative for automotive industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Campos, Rejane Daniela de; Seo, Emilia Satoshi Miyamaru

2013-01-01

The composites appear as an extremely favorable alternative for different industries, due to the fact that it combines the best mechanical properties with the best physic-chemical properties of two or more materials. Nowadays, in the evaluation of materials, besides criteria such as economic viability and performance, the environmental criterion was included in this evaluation. Part of the environmental criteria is the use of biodegradable materials and/or recycled materials. In this sense, researches focused on vegetal fibers, as reinforcement in composites are growing considerably and positive results for its performance were achieved. Moreover, the environmental-friendly approach not only is the unique advantage on usage of vegetal fibers, but also it has an economical advantage, because of the low cost and good performance due to low density. The fiber extracted from the pineapple leaf (PALF) is a new alternative for automotive industry as cellulose-based fiber composite. In this sense, the present paper aims to present the characterization of the pineapple leaf fiber for manufacturing the automotive composite materials. Milled pineapple fibers extracted, in two different ways and submitted to mercerisation treatments, were characterized by mechanical and thermal properties; density; morphology; FTIR spectroscopy, EDX and X-ray diffraction. It is important to characterize the fibers, in order to obtain appropriate mechanical properties of composite. (author)

Pineapple leaf fiber as reinforce in composite materials, an alternative for automotive industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Campos, Rejane Daniela de; Seo, Emilia Satoshi Miyamaru, E-mail: rejanedaniela@ipen.br [Instituto de Pesquisas Energeticas e Nucleares (IPEN/CNEN-SP), Sao Paulo, SP (Brazil)

2013-07-01

The composites appear as an extremely favorable alternative for different industries, due to the fact that it combines the best mechanical properties with the best physic-chemical properties of two or more materials. Nowadays, in the evaluation of materials, besides criteria such as economic viability and performance, the environmental criterion was included in this evaluation. Part of the environmental criteria is the use of biodegradable materials and/or recycled materials. In this sense, researches focused on vegetal fibers, as reinforcement in composites are growing considerably and positive results for its performance were achieved. Moreover, the environmental-friendly approach not only is the unique advantage on usage of vegetal fibers, but also it has an economical advantage, because of the low cost and good performance due to low density. The fiber extracted from the pineapple leaf (PALF) is a new alternative for automotive industry as cellulose-based fiber composite. In this sense, the present paper aims to present the characterization of the pineapple leaf fiber for manufacturing the automotive composite materials. Milled pineapple fibers extracted, in two different ways and submitted to mercerisation treatments, were characterized by mechanical and thermal properties; density; morphology; FTIR spectroscopy, EDX and X-ray diffraction. It is important to characterize the fibers, in order to obtain appropriate mechanical properties of composite. (author)

Mitigation of solid waste and reuse of effluent from paint and varnish automotive and industrial treated by irradiation at electron beam accelerator

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nascimento, Fernando C.; Ribeiro, Marcia A.; Duarte, Celina Lopes; Minamidani, Pedro T.; Guzella, Catia C.

2011-01-01

One of the most representative industrial segments is the polymeric coatings for house paint, automotive, industrial, marine, maintenance, and repainting markets. The general consumption of paint market in 2010 was 438,364 10 3 gallons of paint, in Brazil. However, when produce paints and varnishes, various kinds of solid wastes and liquid effluent are generated. The present research focus on the effluent from resins, water base paint and paint for electrophoresis, automotive industry, and general industrial coatings. The goal of this study is to use ionizing radiation to destroy the pollutants allowing the use of part of effluent as reuse water, and the rest discarded within the specified requirements. Actual industrial effluent samples were irradiated at Electron beam Accelerator applying absorbed doses of 10 kGy, 30 kGy and 50 kGy. The results, in this preliminary stage, showed a reduction of organic compounds and suspended solids. (author)

Supply Chain Performance Improvement Strategy Through Quality of Synergy in The Automotive Components Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Tri Purwani

2016-04-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study were 1 develop a new concept of Bilateral Symmetry, which is the ability of similarity based on transparency and standardization, 2 conduct empirical testing and analyzing the effect of bilateral symmetry to the improved supply chain performance through quality of synergy in industrial automotive components. The study population includes the entire automotive component industry in Indonesia. This study used sample of 105 respondents using purposive sampling method to comply with the AMOS program. The study result shows that the ability of similarity standardization and the ability of the similarity of transparency have positive significant impact on the quality of synergy, and quality of synergy have positive significant impact on the supply chain performance. In addition, from the results of hypothesis testing found two strategies that can improve supply chain performance with 1 increasing the ability of similarity standardization and 2 improve transparency through quality of synergy.Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan konsep baru bilateral symmetry, yang merupakan kemampuan kesamaan berdasarkan transparansi dan standarisasi, dan melakukan pengujian empiris dan menganalisis pengaruh simetri bilateral untuk peningkatan kinerja rantai pasokan melalui kualitas sinergi pada komponen otomotif industri. Populasi penelitian meliputi seluruh industri komponen otomotif di Indonesia. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel 105 responden dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling dan dianalisis dengan program AMOS. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kemampuan kesamaan standarisasi dan kemampuan kesamaan transparansi berdampak signifikan positif pada kualitas sinergi, dan kualitas sinergi berdampak signifikan positif terhadap kinerja rantai pasokan. Selain itu, dari hasil pengujian hipotesis menemukan dua strategi yang dapat meningkatkan kinerja supply chain dengan meningkatkan kemampuan kesamaan standarisasi dan

Improvement of the customer satisfaction through Quality Assurance Matrix and QC-Story methods: A case study from automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Sicoe, G. M.; Belu, N.; Rachieru, N.; Nicolae, E. V.

2017-10-01

Presently, in the automotive industry, the tendency is to adapt permanently to the changes and introduce the market tendency in the new products that leads of the customer satisfaction. Many quality techniques were adopted in this field to continuous improvement of product and process quality and advantages were also gained. The present paper has focused on possibilities that offers the use of Quality Assurance Matrix (QAM) and Quality Control Story (QC Story) to provide largest protection against nonconformities in the production process, throughout a case study in the automotive industry. There is a direct relationship from the QAM to a QC Story analysis. The failures identified using QAM are treated with QC Story methodology. Using this methods, will help to decrease the PPM values and will increase the quality performance and the customer satisfaction.

A study of automotive workers anthropometric physical characteristics from Mexico Northwest.

Science.gov (United States)

Lucero-Duarte, Karla; de la Vega-Bustillos, Enrique; López-Millán, Francisco

2012-01-01

Due to the lack of anthropometric information in northwest Mexico, we did an anthropometric study that represents the population physical characteristics and that is reliable for the design or redesign of workstations. The study was divided in two phases. The first one was the anthropometric study of 2900 automotive industry workers in northwest of Mexico. The study includes 40 body dimensions of 2345 males and 555 females personalized to be used in future researches. Second phase includes compared anthropometric characteristics of population reported in four Mexican studies and a Colombian study against the current study. Benefits of this project are: a reliable database of anthropometric characteristic of automotive industry population for workstations design or redesign that match with the users, increase product quality and reduce economic, medical and union complains.

Building best practice automotive after sales network : The Volkswagen case

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Mikolik, Gerlinde

2017-01-01

This thesis aims to analyze the service operations and networks in the automotive industry as research into the automotive After Sales service network lacks the necessary fine details and industrial feedback. Its purpose is to present the insights and lessons learned from studying the After Sales

Industrial-Strength Model-Based Testing - State of the Art and Current Challenges

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jan Peleska

2013-03-01

Full Text Available As of today, model-based testing (MBT is considered as leading-edge technology in industry. We sketch the different MBT variants that - according to our experience - are currently applied in practice, with special emphasis on the avionic, railway and automotive domains. The key factors for successful industrial-scale application of MBT are described, both from a scientific and a managerial point of view. With respect to the former view, we describe the techniques for automated test case, test data and test procedure generation for concurrent reactive real-time systems which are considered as the most important enablers for MBT in practice. With respect to the latter view, our experience with introducing MBT approaches in testing teams are sketched. Finally, the most challenging open scientific problems whose solutions are bound to improve the acceptance and effectiveness of MBT in industry are discussed.

The fuzzy outline of the Mediterranean automotive space (In French)

OpenAIRE

Jean-Bernard LAYAN (E3i-IFReDE-GRES); Yannick LUNG (E3i-IFReDE-GRES)

2006-01-01

The paper analyses the evolution of the automotive industry in the Mediterranean area during the last years. First part focuses on the impacts for this region of the geographical changes of the European automotive systems associated to location of multinational automotive firms in CEEC. This leads to difficulties for the automobile countries of the western part of the Mediterranean Europe (Italy, Spain, Portugal) on one side, and to a huge growth of the auto industry at the east, in Turkey, o...

Automotive NVH technology

CERN Document Server

Nijman, Eugenius; Priebsch, Hans-Herwig

2016-01-01

This book presents seven chapters examining selected noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) topics that are highly relevant for automotive vehicle development. These include applications following the major trends toward increased passenger comfort, vehicle electrification and lightweight design. The authors of the seven chapters, all of which are experts from the automotive industry and academia, present the foremost challenges and potential solutions in this demanding field. Among others, applications for sound optimization in downsized engines, noise optimization in electric powertrains, weight reduction options for exhaust systems, porous materials description, and the vibro-acoustic analysis of geared systems are discussed.

An Evaluation of 3D Woven Orthogonal Composites' Potential in the Automotive Supply Chain

Science.gov (United States)

Taylor, Dalia

The automotive supply chain and its management can be a very complex process and comprises a long dynamic and complex network that consists of four primary segments: original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), first tier suppliers, sub tiers suppliers, and infrastructure suppliers. During the analysis of the current automotive industry it was identified that textile industry importance is considerable increasing as a part of the global automotive supply chain, because textile products are used for interior, exterior and even suspension parts and components. Automotive industry has an increasing demand for higher quality exterior panels with better functional properties and reduced weight. One of the main potentials for this demand is based on the three-dimensional woven composites technology innovations which can replace an existing technology. The new role of the textile industry could make important changes in the automotive supply chain industry, such as: changes in the size of the supply chain, the time to the market and the position of textile industry in the automotive supply chain structure. 3D composite materials from high performance fibers, such as glass and carbon, have been used for automotive applications in a limited way due to the low production rate and the lack of research and development. This research will contribute to the understanding of textile composites in transportation and the textile parameters that affect the performance characteristics of these materials. The research examines the performance characteristics of lighter and stronger 3D woven fabric composites made from fiberglass with the aim to improve fuel efficiency by reducing the total vehicle weight while maintaining safety standards. The performance characteristics of the 3D woven fabric composite can be designed by changing different construction parameters, such as picks density, pick roving linear density, arrangements of warp and z-yarns, and the number of warp and picks layers

Automotive HMI design and participatory user involvement: review and perspectives.

Science.gov (United States)

François, Mathilde; Osiurak, François; Fort, Alexandra; Crave, Philippe; Navarro, Jordan

2017-04-01

Automotive human-machine interface (HMI) design is facing new challenges due to the technological advances of the last decades. The design process has to be adapted in order to address human factors and road safety challenges. It is now widely accepted that user involvement in the HMI design process is valuable. However, the current form of user involvement in industry remains at the stages of concept assessment and usability tests. Moreover, the literature in other fields (e.g. information systems) promotes a broader user involvement with participatory design (i.e. the user is fully involved in the development process). This article reviews the established benefits of participatory design and reveals perspectives for automotive HMI quality improvement in a cognitive ergonomic framework. Practitioner Summary: Automotive HMI quality determines, in part, drivers' ability to perform primary driving tasks while using in-vehicle devices. User involvement in the design process is a key point to contribute to HMI quality. This article reports the potential benefits of a broad involvement from drivers to meet automotive HMI design challenges.

Performance measurement of the after-sales service network: Evidence from the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Shahnoush Shahrouzi Fard

2015-10-01

Full Text Available This paper presents an empirical investigation to determine important factors influencing on customer satisfaction in after-sales service network of automotive industry. The study designs two questionnaires, one for measuring the quality of after-sales services and the other for measuring customers’ satisfaction. The study selects a sample of 265 randomly selected customers out of 850 people who received the services from an automotive firm in Iran. Cronbach alpha has calculated as 0.82, which is well above the minimum desirable level. Using Spearman correlation the study has detected a positive and meaningful relationship between services and customer satisfaction (r=0.48, Sig. =0.01, a positive relationship between being responsiveness and customer satisfaction (r=0.51, Sig. =0.01 and finally a positive relationship between speed of operation customer satisfaction (r=0.45, Sig. = 0.01. Moreover, there was a positive and meaningful relationship between cost of services and customer satisfaction (r=0.68, Sig. = 0.01 and a positive relationship between quality of services of after-sales services and customer satisfaction (r = 0.61, Sig. =0.01.

The Importance of Systems for Controlling Logistics Costs in the Supply Chain: A Case Study from the Slovenian Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sebastjan Škerlič

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Participating in the automotive industry brings new responsibilities for suppliers who, in order to meet customer demands, must strive towards improving business processes, while at the same time reducing costs. These demands can disrupt the operations of companies that do not have a system for controlling logistics costs. On the other hand, customer demands can be the cause of other types of disruptions in companies that have such a system in place, stemming from an excessive focus on cost reduction. To tackle this problem, a survey was conducted on a sample of 30 Slovenian companies that operate as suppliers in the automotive industry. Its objective was to determine how different customer demands along the supply chain can affect the business processes of suppliers and the level of logistics costs. The survey revealed that companies that use a system for controlling logistics costs experience fewer disruptions in their business processes in their efforts to satisfy customer demands. These companies also display a higher level of integration of business processes and use a different approach when dealing with the various participants of the supply chain. The survey also sets clear participation guidelines for suppliers in the supply chain of the automotive industry and points out how companies can benefit from using a system for controlling logistics costs in other ways, aside from the cost controlling aspect.

A conceptual framework for outsourcing of materials handling activities in automotive : differentiation and implementation

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Klingenberg, W.; Boksma, J. D.

2010-01-01

This article discusses the outsourcing of materials handling activities and investigates different options for its implementation. The article uses descriptive case studies found in literature from the Western European automotive industry to map out differences in current practice and to evaluate

Conference on Future Automotive Technology Focus Electro Mobility

CERN Document Server

2013-01-01

The increasing trend towards electric cars leads to several challenges for the automobile industry, research institutes and politics as well as for the society. Research and serial development move closer together to meet automotive standards with new components such as traction batteries integrated into hybrid and electrical drivetrains. Furthermore, the influence of e-mobility on the daily mobility behavior, the effects on the automotive supply chain and the impact on industrial production have to be taken into account. According to these complex aspects it is crucial to not only acquire specific knowledge in the particular fields but also to consider their functional interaction. Therefore, it seems essential to merge competence from science, economy and politics. This year, the annual „Conference on Future Automotive Technology“ as the follow-up of the „2. Automobiltechnisches Kolloquium München” focuses on the economical realization of widespread automotive electro mobility. Contents - Energy St...

Carbon composite manufacturing in automotive volume production

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Geiger, Raphael; Pahl, Julia

2017-01-01

Lightweight constructions are a continuously increasing trend in the automotive industry. Main drivers for that trend are the challenging emission reduction targets regarding combustion engines and increasing ranges in electric mobility. This article presents different composite production methods...... and discusses their ability within mass production giving also an example within the automotive production....

Green competitiveness research on Chinese automotive enterprises

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yuanhui Li

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Purpose: More and more executives of automobileindustry in China start to recognize the concept of green competitiveness recently. However, relatively less research attention has been devoted to the consideration of measurement. This paper aims to find empirical approach to quantify green competitiveness for automotive enterprises. The connotation of green competitiveness is explored and one suite of evaluation index system has been proposed with four dimensions including environmental, resource, capability and knowledge.Design/methodology/approach: By introducing the factor analysis method, green competitiveness has been measured through an empirical analysis of 24 automotive enterprises within China.Findings: The results indicate that those elements, such as enterprise resource possession and utilization; environment, responsibility and knowledge; profitability; management efficiency, have significant effect on the green competitiveness for automotive enterprises. The further analysis also unveils the advantages and disadvantages of green competitiveness for each company and the direction for improvement.Research limitations/implications: Guide regulators and managers of automobile industry to take some measures to enhance their green competitive advantage.Practical implications: Provide practical methods to measure green competitiveness for automotive enterprises.Originality/value: This paper proposes an evaluation index system of green competitiveness for automotive enterprises. The suggestions of our research will be beneficial to enterprise executives and industry regulators.

Increasing Globalization and AFTA in 2003: What are the Prospects for the Philippine Automotive Industry?

OpenAIRE

Aldaba, Rafaelita M.

2000-01-01

The Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme represents the main mechanism to remove barriers to intra-ASEAN trade. Its adoption will entail intraregional tariffs ranging from zero to five percent. AFTA and the increasing globalization (which occurs through trade and foreign direct investment) of the automotive industry poses both risks and opportunities for us. The opportunities would come from the effects of a bigger market and liberalization combined with the cost advantages that...

Investigation of thermal management materials for automotive electronic control units

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mallik, Sabuj; Ekere, Ndy; Best, Chris; Bhatti, Raj

2011-01-01

Today's electronics packages are smaller and more powerful than ever before. This leads to ever increasing thermal challenges for the systems designer. The automotive electronic control unit (ECU) package faces the same challenge of thermal management as the industry in general. This is coupled with the latest European Union legislation (Euro 6 standard) which forced the ECU manufacturers to completely re-design their ECU platform with improved hardware and software capability. This will result in increased power densities and therefore, the ability to dissipate heat will be a key factor. A higher thermal conductivity (TC) material for the ECU housing (than the currently used Aluminium) could improve heat dissipation from the ECU. This paper critically reviews the state-of-the-art in thermal management materials which may be applicable to an automotive ECU. This review shows that of the different materials currently available, the Al/SiC composites in particular have very good potential for automotive ECU application. In terms of metal composites processing, the liquid metal infiltration process is recommended as it has a lower processing cost and it also has the ability to produce near net-shape materials.

Brief review of German standards for quality audits in automotive production

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Yulia Šurinová

2013-04-01

Full Text Available Quality management systems (QMS in the automotive industry have several differences in comparison with other industrial factories. Each customer has his own specific requirements, the so-called CSRs (Customer Specific Requirements. Audits are one of the core-tools of quality management to make the PDCA cycle work. It is clear that compliance to ISO/TS 16949:2009 requirements is a condition for supplying the automotive industry. But there are some standards which co-exist together with the official ISO9001 Q-management systems standards and technical specification ISO/TS16949. What are those specific standards in the automotive industry and which standard should be used and why – those are the questions to be answered in this article.

Integration Of The Security Sub-Modules Elements In The Automotive Industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gallego, C.; Fernandez, M.; Caires, A. S.; Canibano, E.

2007-01-01

This study is addressed to obtain a design methodology for integrated security sub-modules (constituting the suspension and steering modules) in the car manufacturing industry. The sub-modules are made up of a steel structure and anchorage elements (rubber-metal or plastic-metal), which undergo separate surface treatments to prevent corrosion. Afterwards, the elements are traditionally joined by means of adhesives and screws. This process involves a great number of stages, low quality union methods and generation of corrosion areas that shorten its useful life.This methodology provides automotive suppliers an additional added value and cost reduction, allowing them to increase its competitiveness in a sector that faces the transition from the traditional supply chain to a strategic value chain

Career Development Standards for Vocational Automotive Service Instruction.

Science.gov (United States)

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of the U.S., Inc., Detroit, MI.

The book, prepared for educators and industry, was designed as a complete guide to establishing an automotive training program. The 10 sections describe the following aspects of program planning and implementation: (1) career opportunities in automotive service; (2) guidance, counseling, placement, and followup; (3) school, parent, emPloyer,…

Following Industry's Lead: Revising the Automotive Technology Curriculum

Science.gov (United States)

Crouse, William H.; Anglin, Donald L.

1976-01-01

Today's automotive technology curriculum is changing; curriculum revisions are being made in response to both the changing automobile and to the latest social trends and laws affecting students and teachers alike. (Author)

Review of Special Standards in Quality Management Systems Audits in Automotive Production

Science.gov (United States)

Šurinová, Yulia

2013-12-01

Quality management systems (QMS) in automotive industry generally have several differences in comparison with other industrial branches. Different customers have their own specific requirements, including requirements for quality audits. Audits are one of the coretools of quality management to make the PDCA (Plan - Do - Check - Act) cycle work. As a matter of fact, compliance with ISO/TS 16949:2009 requirements is a condition for supplying the automotive industry. However, there are some standards which co-exist together with the ISO 9001 based management systems and technical specification for QMS in automotive ISO/TS16949. Which are those specific standards in automotive industry and what standard to use and why - those are the questions to be answered in this paper. The aim of the paper is to review what standards are used for audits implementation in automotive industry in the Slovak Republic, and why the organizations keep following those "extra" standards even if certification for ISO/TS 16949 is required by all the car makers. The paper is structured as follows: after short introduction to the topic and related terms, presented is our methodology. . In the third section, the achieved results are discussed. And finally, the principal findings of the paper, limitations and conclusions are presented.

Effect of Necessary Factors for Deploying E-Business Models on Business Performance in Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

Mohsen Shafiei Nikabadi; Laya Olfat; Ahmad Jafarian; Hassan Alibabaei Khamene

2013-01-01

The main goal of this article is to survey effects of necessary factors for deploying e-business models on business performance in automotive industry. Today, application of information technology and internet in business is turned to a critical tool to gain competitive advantages in business. The impact of e-businesses is so that changed competitive approach between companies from traditional to modern models. In this study, first, necessary key factors of implementing e-business in automoti...

Egyptian pyramid or Aztec pyramid: How should we describe the industrial architecture of automotive supply chains in Europe?

OpenAIRE

Vincent FRIGANT (GREThA, CNRS, UMR 5113)

2011-01-01

This article questions a terminology that is frequently used to describe automotive supply chains’ industrial architecture. Since vertical disintegration became a trend in the 1980s, this architecture has been represented using the image of the pyramid. Implicitly, authors have had the image of an Egyptian pyramid in mind, one that is pointed at the top and broad at the base. We will demonstrate that even if pyramids are an appropriate image, in the auto industry the Aztec variant, with its s...

Modelling Electrical Energy Consumption in Automotive Paint Shop

Science.gov (United States)

Oktaviandri, Muchamad; Safiee, Aidil Shafiza Bin

2018-03-01

Industry players are seeking ways to reduce operational cost to sustain in a challenging economic trend. One key aspect is an energy cost reduction. However, implementing energy reduction strategy often struggle with obstructions, which slow down their realization and implementation. Discrete event simulation method is an approach actively discussed in current research trend to overcome such obstructions because of its flexibility and comprehensiveness. Meanwhile, in automotive industry, paint shop is considered the most energy consumer area which is reported consuming about 50%-70% of overall automotive plant consumption. Hence, this project aims at providing a tool to model and simulate energy consumption at paint shop area by conducting a case study at XYZ Company, one of the automotive companies located at Pekan, Pahang. The simulation model was developed using Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software version 13. From the simulation result, the model was accurately within ±5% for energy consumption and ±15% for maximum demand after validation with real system. Two different energy saving scenarios were tested. Scenario 1 was based on production scheduling approach under low demand situation which results energy saving up to 30% on the consumption. Meanwhile scenario 2 was based on substituting high power compressor with the lower power compressor. The results were energy consumption saving of approximately 1.42% and maximum demand reduction about 1.27%. This approach would help managers and engineers to justify worthiness of investment for implementing the reduction strategies.

Sustainable automotive energy system in China

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, Xiliang (ed.) [Tsinghua Univ. Beijing (China). China Automotive Energy Research Center

2013-06-01

The latest research available on automotive energy system analysis in China. Thorough introduction on automotive energy system in China. Provides the broad perspective to aid in planning sustainable road transport in China. Sustainable Automotive Energy System in China aims at identifying and addressing the key issues of automotive energy in China in a systematic way, covering demography, economics, technology and policy, based on systematic and in-depth, multidisciplinary and comprehensive studies. Five scenarios of China's automotive energy development are created to analyze the possible contributions in the fields of automotive energy, vehicle fuel economy improvement, electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles and the 2nd generation biofuel development. Thanks to this book, readers can gain a better understanding of the nature of China's automotive energy development and be informed about: (1) the current status of automotive energy consumption, vehicle technology development, automotive energy technology development and policy; (2) the future of automotive energy development, fuel consumption, propulsion technology penetration and automotive energy technology development, and (3) the pathways of sustainable automotive energy transformation in China, in particular, the technological and the policy-related options. This book is intended for researchers, engineers and graduates students in the low-carbon transportation and environmental protection field.

Air ionizer application for electrostatic discharge (ESD) dust removal in automotive painting industry

Science.gov (United States)

Yosri, M. H.; Muhamad, P.; Ismail, M. A.; Yatim, N. H. M.

2018-01-01

Dust and fiber have been identified among the highest contributor for the defect in automotive painting line with range from 40% to 50% of total defect breakdown. Eventually, those defects will effect on both visual appearance and also the performance of the parts. In addition, the significance of controlling dust in an assembly line is crucial in order to maintain the quality of the product, part performance yield and effect on workers’ health [1]. By considering the principle and technology applied in electronic clean room technology, the ionizer have been introduce to control dust contamination in automotive painting line. The first auto maker industry whom found the effectiveness of the clean room application to reduce the defect and production line downtime was Chrysler [2]. By doing so, it’s allowed the transmission plant to offer 50 000 mile guarantee on the transmission systems. The main objective of this research is to verify the effectiveness of ionizer device in order to reduce the rejection contribute by dust and fiber particle in the automotive painting line. Towards the main objective, a few sub areas will be explored, as a supporting factor to ensure the result gain from this study is solid and constructive. The experiment start by verifying the electrostatic value of the raw material (substrate) before and after the ionizer treatment. From here the correlation of the electrostatic value generated by the raw material that effect to production pass rate can be explored. At the meantime, the performance of the production pass rate after the ionizer treatment which related to the painted surface area can be determined.

The Role of Public and Private Protection in Disruptive Innovation: The Automotive Industry and the Emergence of Low-Emission Vehicles

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Pinkse, J.; Bohnsack, R.; Kolk, A.

2014-01-01

In the automotive industry, the need to move toward more sustainable trajectories of innovation has received much attention. Car manufacturers have started to develop lower emission alternatives for the internal combustion engine, particularly electric, hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles. They face the

Supply Chain difficulties in the Operational Leasing industry : A case study of ALD Automotive

OpenAIRE

Forslöf, Oscar; Jazic, Armen

2012-01-01

Abstract In today’s competitive world companies strive to be best in class and at the same time have high revenue. They try to sell the best products, deliver the best service and at the same time reduce costs in order to make high profits. They strive for high efficiency at all levels of the organization as well as reduced costs where possible. This report examines a company in the operational leasing industry, ALD Automotive. The company is a part of Société Générale, a Financial Services c...

SELECTION METHOD FOR AUTOMOTIVE PARTS RECONDITIONING

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dan Florin NITOI

2015-05-01

Full Text Available Paper presents technological methods for metal deposition, costs calculation and clasification for the main process that helps in automotive technologies to repair or to increase pieces properties. Paper was constructed based on many technological experiments that starts from practicans and returns to them. The main aim is to help young engineers or practicians engineers to choose the proper reconditioning process with the best information in repairing pieces from automotive industry.

Design of lightweight multi-material automotive bodies using new material performance indices of thin-walled beams for the material selection with crashworthiness consideration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cui, Xintao; Zhang, Hongwei; Wang, Shuxin; Zhang, Lianhong; Ko, Jeonghan

2011-01-01

Currently, automotive bodies are constructed usually using a single material, e.g. steel or aluminum. Compared to single-material automotive bodies, multi-material automotive bodies allow optimal material selection in each structural component for higher product performance and lower cost. This paper presents novel material performance indices and procedures developed to guide systematic material selection for multi-material automotive bodies. These new indices enable to characterize the crashworthiness performance of complex-shaped thin-walled beams in multi-material automotive bodies according to material types. This paper also illustrates the application of these performance indices and procedures by designing a lightweight multi-material automotive body. These procedures will help to design a lightweight and affordable body favored by the automotive industry, thus to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Requirements for the workflow-based support of release management processes in the automotive sector

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bestfleisch, U.; Herbst, J.; Reichert, M.U.; Abdelmalek, B.

One of the challenges the automotive industry currently has to master is the complexity of the electrical/elctronic system of a car. One key factor for reaching short product development cycles and high quality in this area are well-defined, properly executed test and release processes. In this

Innovation in Information Technology: Theoretical and Empirical Study in SMQR Section of Export Import in Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Edi Nugroho Soebandrija, Khristian; Pratama, Yogi

2014-03-01

This paper has the objective to provide the innovation in information technology in both theoretical and empirical study. Precisely, both aspects relate to the Shortage Mispacking Quality Report (SMQR) Claims in Export and Import in Automotive Industry. This paper discusses the major aspects of Innovation, Information Technology, Performance and Competitive Advantage. Furthermore, In the empirical study of PT. Astra Honda Motor (AHM) refers to SMQR Claims, Communication Systems, Analysis and Design Systems. Briefly both aspects of the major aspects and its empirical study are discussed in the Introduction Session. Furthermore, the more detail discussion is conducted in the related aspects in other sessions of this paper, in particular in Literature Review in term classical and updated reference of current research. The increases of SMQR claim and communication problem at PT. Astra Daihatsu Motor (PT. ADM) which still using the email cause the time of claim settlement become longer and finally it causes the rejected of SMQR claim by supplier. With presence of this problem then performed to design the integrated communication system to manage the communication process of SMQR claim between PT. ADM with supplier. The systems was analyzed and designed is expected to facilitate the claim communication process so that can be run in accordance with the procedure and fulfill the target of claim settlement time and also eliminate the difficulties and problems on the previous manual communication system with the email. The design process of the system using the approach of system development life cycle method by Kendall & Kendall (2006)which design process covers the SMQR problem communication process, judgment process by the supplier, claim process, claim payment process and claim monitoring process. After getting the appropriate system designs for managing the SMQR claim, furthermore performed the system implementation and can be seen the improvement in claim communication

Operating Efficiency Evaluation of China Listed Automotive Firms: 2012–2016

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Huichen Jiang

2018-01-01

Full Text Available As one of the important pillar industries in China, the automotive industry (i.e., the traditional vehicle and the new energy vehicle (NEV sub-industries plays a significant role in the national economy and social development. In this paper, by using the fixed assets, intangible assets, the operating expenses, and the number of employee as inputs and the operating income as output, we conduct efficiency evaluations based on data envelopment analysis (DEA and Malmquist models, and measure the efficiency of listed automotive firms with the panel data of 77 listed A-share firms spanning from 2012 to 2016, statically and dynamically. The results show that the five-year average Malmquist indices of all the listed firms slightly decreased due to the decline of the technical change and the improvement of the efficiency change. We subdivide the automotive industry into the traditional vehicle and NEV industries, and find that the NEV industry performed better than the traditional one. We combine the industry development and efficiency evaluation, and believe that the NEV will be a new driving force of the economy.

Development of Universal Portable Spray Stand for Touch-Up Process in The Automotive Paintshop

Science.gov (United States)

Fatah Muhamed Mukhtar, Muhamed Abdul; Mohideen Shahul Hameed, Rasool

2016-02-01

A spray stand is a custom-made tool used to hold the automotive body parts as well as the devices used to facilitate the operator during the Touch Up process in Paint shop production. This paper discusses about the development of Universal Portable Spray Stand (UPSS) as a tool to hold various types of automotive body parts and model of car during the painting process. The main objective of this study is to determine the effective application of UPSS at the International College of Automotive (ICAM) and also in the automotive industry. This will be helpful to add features to the current spray stand in ICAM and to add value to the spray stand based on selected criteria which are universal, portable and cost saving. In addition, study in the UPSS is also expected to bring reduction in cycle time during the touch up process, in the paint defects and in the ergonomics issues among the operators.

Automotive systems engineering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maurer, Markus [Technische Univ. Braunschweig (Germany). Inst. fuer Regelungstechnik; Winner, Hermann (eds.) [Technische Univ. Darmstadt (Germany). Fachgebiet Fahrzeugtechnik

2013-06-01

Innovative state-of-the-art book. Presents brand new results of a joint workshop in the field of automotive systems engineering. Recommendable to students for further reading even though not a primary text book. This book reflects the shift in design paradigm in automobile industry. It presents future innovations, often referred as ''automotive systems engineering''. These cause fundamental innovations in the field of driver assistance systems and electro-mobility as well as fundamental changes in the architecture of the vehicles. New driving functionalities can only be realized if the software programs of multiple electronic control units work together correctly. This volume presents the new and innovative methods which are mandatory to master the complexity of the vehicle of the future.

Ultracapacitors for automotive applications

Science.gov (United States)

Ashtiani, Cyrus; Wright, Randy; Hunt, Gary

In response to a growing consensus in the auto industry that ultracapacitors can potentially play a key role in the modern vehicle power distribution network, a task force was created at the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to tackle issues facing the fledging industry. The task force embarked on first developing and establishing standards for performance and abuse tolerance of ultracapacitors in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and National Labs. Subsequently, potential applications in the automotive industry were identified and a consensus requirement specification was drawn as a development guide for the industry.

Ultracapacitors for automotive applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ashtiani, Cyrus [DaimlerChrysler Corp., CIMS 526-00-00, 1870 Technology Dr., Troy, MI 48083 (United States); Wright, Randy; Hunt, Gary [Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, Idaho Falls, ID 834415-3830 (United States)

2006-03-21

In response to a growing consensus in the auto industry that ultracapacitors can potentially play a key role in the modern vehicle power distribution network, a task force was created at the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC) to tackle issues facing the fledging industry. The task force embarked on first developing and establishing standards for performance and abuse tolerance of ultracapacitors in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and National Labs. Subsequently, potential applications in the automotive industry were identified and a consensus requirement specification was drawn as a development guide for the industry. (author)

An online real time ultrasonic NDT system for the quality control of spot welding in the automotive industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Athi, N; Wylie, S R; Cullen, J D; Al-Jader, M; Al-Shamma'a, A I; Shaw, A

2009-01-01

Resistance spot welding is the main joining technique used for the fabrication of body-in-white structures in the automotive industry. The quality of the welds depends on the profile of the spot welding electrode cap. The increased use of zinc coated steel in the industry increases wear rate of the caps, making quality control more difficult. This paper presents a novel online real time ultrasonic NDE system for resistance spot welding which evaluates every weld as it is formed. SEM results are presented to show the alloying of the electrode caps.

An online real time ultrasonic NDT system for the quality control of spot welding in the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Athi, N.; Wylie, S. R.; Cullen, J. D.; Al-Jader, M.; Al-Shamma'a, A. I.; Shaw, A.

2009-07-01

Resistance spot welding is the main joining technique used for the fabrication of body-in-white structures in the automotive industry. The quality of the welds depends on the profile of the spot welding electrode cap. The increased use of zinc coated steel in the industry increases wear rate of the caps, making quality control more difficult. This paper presents a novel online real time ultrasonic NDE system for resistance spot welding which evaluates every weld as it is formed. SEM results are presented to show the alloying of the electrode caps.

AUTOMOTIVE MARKET- FROM A GENERAL TO A MARKET SEGMENTATION APPROACH

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Liviana Andreea Niminet

2013-12-01

Full Text Available Automotive market and its corresponding industry are undoubtedly of outmost importance and therefore proper market segmentation is crucial for market players, potential competitors and customers as well. Time has proved that market economic analysis often shown flaws in determining the relevant market, by using solely or mainly the geographic aspect and disregarding the importance of segments on the automotive market. For these reasons we propose a new approach of the automotive market proving the importance of proper market segmentation and defining the strategic groups within the automotive market.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry due to repetitive work - implications for rehabilitation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Quarcoo David

2010-04-01

Full Text Available Abstract Background Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs due to repetitive work are common in manufacturing industries, such as the automotive industry. However, it's still unclear which MSDs of the upper limb are to be expected in the automotive industry in a first aid unit as well as in occupational precaution examinations. It is also unclear which examination method could be performed effectively for practical reasons and under rehabilitation aspects. Additionally, it was to discuss whether the conception of unspecific description for MSDs has advantages or disadvantages in contrast to a precise medical diagnosis. Methods We investigated the health status of two study populations working at two automotive plants in Germany. The first part included 67 consecutive patients who were seen for acute or chronic MSDs at the forearm over a 4-month period at the plants' medical services. Information about patients' working conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms was obtained during a standardized interview, which was followed by a standardized orthopedic-chiropractic physical examination. In the second part, 209 workers with daily exposure to video display terminals (VDT completed a standardized questionnaire and were examined with function-oriented muscular tests on the occasion of their routine occupational precaution medical check-up. Results The majority of the 67 patients seen by the company's medical services were blue-collar works from the assembly lines and trainees rather than white-collar workers from offices. Rates of musculoskeletal complaints were disproportionately higher among experienced people performing new tasks and younger trainees. The most common MSD in this group were disorders of flexor tendons of the forearm. By contrast, among the 209 employees working at VDT disorders of the neck and shoulders were more common than discomfort in the forearm. A positive tendency between restricted rotation of the cervical vertebrae and years

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in the automotive industry due to repetitive work - implications for rehabilitation.

Science.gov (United States)

Spallek, Michael; Kuhn, Walter; Uibel, Stefanie; van Mark, Anke; Quarcoo, David

2010-04-07

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) due to repetitive work are common in manufacturing industries, such as the automotive industry. However, it's still unclear which MSDs of the upper limb are to be expected in the automotive industry in a first aid unit as well as in occupational precaution examinations. It is also unclear which examination method could be performed effectively for practical reasons and under rehabilitation aspects. Additionally, it was to discuss whether the conception of unspecific description for MSDs has advantages or disadvantages in contrast to a precise medical diagnosis. We investigated the health status of two study populations working at two automotive plants in Germany. The first part included 67 consecutive patients who were seen for acute or chronic MSDs at the forearm over a 4-month period at the plants' medical services. Information about patients' working conditions and musculoskeletal symptoms was obtained during a standardized interview, which was followed by a standardized orthopedic-chiropractic physical examination. In the second part, 209 workers with daily exposure to video display terminals (VDT) completed a standardized questionnaire and were examined with function-oriented muscular tests on the occasion of their routine occupational precaution medical check-up. The majority of the 67 patients seen by the company's medical services were blue-collar works from the assembly lines and trainees rather than white-collar workers from offices. Rates of musculoskeletal complaints were disproportionately higher among experienced people performing new tasks and younger trainees. The most common MSD in this group were disorders of flexor tendons of the forearm. By contrast, among the 209 employees working at VDT disorders of the neck and shoulders were more common than discomfort in the forearm. A positive tendency between restricted rotation of the cervical vertebrae and years worked at VDT was observed. In addition, only less than 8

Automotive Stirling engine Market and Industrial Readiness Program (MIRP), phase 1

Science.gov (United States)

1982-05-01

A program, begun in 1978, has the goal of transferring Stirling engine technology from United Stirling of Sweden to the US and, then, following design, fabrication, and prototype testing, to secure US manufacturers for the engine. The ultimate objective is the large-scale commercial use of the Automotive Stirling Engine (ASE) by the year 2000. The fist phase of the Market and Industrial Readiness Program for the ASE was concerned with defining the market, product, economic and technical factors necessary to be addressed to assure a reasonable chance of ultimate commercial acceptance. Program results for this first phase are reported and discussed. These results pertain to licensing strategy development, economic analysis, market factors, product planning, market growth, cost studies, and engine performance as measured by fuel economy using conventional fuels and by vehicle speed and acceleration characteristics.

Lean tool used in the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Manuela Ingaldi; Marta Jagusiak-Kocik

2014-01-01

In the paper basic concepts of Lean Manufacturing were presented. A company specializing in the development of vehicle dynamics, driver assistance systems, brake systems, seat belt sand electronics technology was characterized. The company is engaged in designing and manufacturing world-class products for the automotive market. The Lean tools used in the production hall, such as Yamazumi chart, machine motion analysis, MTM method and timing, were presented.

The effects of occupational noise on blood pressure and heart rate of workers in an automotive parts industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Kalantary, Saba; Dehghani, Ali; Yekaninejad, Mir Saeed; Omidi, Leila; Rahimzadeh, Mitra

2015-07-01

One of the most important impacts of industrial noise is physiological and psychological effects. The increases in workers' blood pressure and heart rate were detected during and after exposure to high levels of noise. The objectives of this research were to determine whether the noise exposures have any effects on blood pressure and heart rate of workers in the automotive parts industry. This case study was done in 2011 at different units of an automotive parts manufacturing in Tehran. Sound pressure level was measured at different units of the factory with a calibrated instrument. Demographic features of workers were gathered with an appropriate questionnaire. Heart rate and blood pressure were measured twice in a day in the start time of work day (before exposure to noise) and middle shift hours (during exposure to noise) in the occupational physician office. For analyzing data, chi-square, independent sample t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used. P industrial noise may increase the heart rate of workers. Although rises in heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure of workers in the case group were observed after exposure to noise, the values of heart rate, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure were in the normal range. Further experimental investigations are needed to determine the relationships between these variables.

Uncovering Productivity Gains of Digital and Green Servitization: Implications from the Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marco Opazo-Basáez

2018-05-01

Full Text Available The growing industrial concern about sustainability challenges has driven vehicle and auto parts manufacturers to adopt service capabilities as a way to maintain competitiveness in compliance with environmental regulations. As a result, automakers have progressively integrated digital and green service initiatives to support operations and address environmental issues effectively. The present study examined the effect of digital and green servitization on the firm’s productivity. To test their effect quantitatively, this study used the ORBIS database to construct a multi-country sample containing 228 companies in the automotive industry. Our findings indicate that implementation of digital and green servitization is positively associated with higher productivity outcomes once the two forms of servitization coexist and operate jointly. Moreover, the results of the study underscore the importance of establishing a successional pathway of implementation priorities. Our evidence suggests that firms willing to offer green services should consider offering digital services first, as this is the only way to obtain productivity gains from green servitization.

RULES OF ORIGIN AND AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR IN JAPAN’S ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENTS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hanny Zurina HAMZAH

2010-01-01

Full Text Available This paper examines complicated Rules of Origin (RoO in Japan’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA with East Asian countries. To limit the scope of this research, the paper concentrates on automotive industries in ASEAN4 only. The reason is that, this industry is the world’s largest manufacturing activity and had long been protected in Malaysia, liberalized but with limited market access in Thailand, and growing in Indonesia with majority players are the Japanese automakers. The main question that this paper tries to answer is whether these countries should create a different and standardize the existing set of RoO in order to increase the utilization of FTAs with other partner countries. Complex rules in RoO have several implications on Japanese automotive production network when EPAs coming into force. Next, this paper discusses how to understand RoO among automotive related firms and at the same time promote automotive industry in ASEAN to develop to the world class levels.

Overview of Automotive Core Tools: Applications and Benefits

Science.gov (United States)

Doshi, Jigar A.; Desai, Darshak

2017-08-01

Continuous improvement of product and process quality is always challenging and creative task in today's era of globalization. Various quality tools are available and used for the same. Some of them are successful and few of them are not. Considering the complexity in the continuous quality improvement (CQI) process various new techniques are being introduced by the industries, as well as proposed by researchers and academia. Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma is some of the techniques. In recent years, there are new tools being opted by the industry, especially automotive, called as Automotive Core Tools (ACT). The intention of this paper is to review the applications and benefits along with existing research on Automotive Core Tools with special emphasis on continuous quality improvement. The methodology uses an extensive review of literature through reputed publications—journals, conference proceedings, research thesis, etc. This paper provides an overview of ACT, its enablers, and exertions, how it evolved into sophisticated methodologies and benefits used in organisations. It should be of value to practitioners of Automotive Core Tools and to academics who are interested in how CQI can be achieved using ACT. It needs to be stressed here that this paper is not intended to scorn Automotive Core Tools, rather, its purpose is limited only to provide a balance on the prevailing positive views toward ACT.

Robust optical sensors for safety critical automotive applications

Science.gov (United States)

De Locht, Cliff; De Knibber, Sven; Maddalena, Sam

2008-02-01

Optical sensors for the automotive industry need to be robust, high performing and low cost. This paper focuses on the impact of automotive requirements on optical sensor design and packaging. Main strategies to lower optical sensor entry barriers in the automotive market include: Perform sensor calibration and tuning by the sensor manufacturer, sensor test modes on chip to guarantee functional integrity at operation, and package technology is key. As a conclusion, optical sensor applications are growing in automotive. Optical sensor robustness matured to the level of safety critical applications like Electrical Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) and Drive-by-Wire by optical linear arrays based systems and Automated Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Change Assist and Driver Classification/Smart Airbag Deployment by camera imagers based systems.

Review of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment and Potential for Its Adoption at an Automotive Company

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Peter Tarne

2017-04-01

Full Text Available The aim of this paper is to guide the next steps of a PhD thesis through a structured review of the state of the art and implementation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA, and to identify challenges and potentials for its adoption at an automotive company. First, the structured literature review was conducted on LCSA to screen the current methodological and practical implementations and to identify the main research needs in the field. Second, a research on the current status of LCSA within the automotive industry was carried out by means of investigation of published sources of 15 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM. By combining the results of both steps and consulting with decision makers, the challenges and potential for adopting LCSA at an automotive company were identified. The main challenges for adoption of LCSA were found to be: (1 the consistent execution of the three life cycle based assessment methods; (2 the comparatively low maturity of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA; and (3 the adequate presentation and interpretation of results. Next steps towards implementation would be a case study to gather experience on the combined execution of the three life cycle based assessments at an automotive company. Furthermore, it should be determined what the needs of decision makers at an automotive company are regarding the aggregation and interpretation of environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Comparison of Quality Engineering Practices in Malaysian and Indonesian Automotive Related Companies

Science.gov (United States)

Putri, Nilda Tri; Sha'ri Mohd, Yusof; Irianto, Dradjad

2016-02-01

The main motivating factor driving this research is to find differences between the automotive related companies in Malaysia and Indonesia with regard to quality engineering (QE) implementation. A comparative study between Malaysia and Indonesia provides the opportunity to gain perspective and thorough understanding of the similarities and differences on the critical factors for successful QE practices in the context of both these countries. Face to face interviews are used to compare the QE practices in two automotive companies in Malaysia and Indonesia, respectively. The findings of study showed that both countries have clear quality objectives to achieving zero defects in processes and products and total customer satisfaction. Top and middle management in both countries were found to be directly involved in quality improvement on the shop floor to provide On-The-Job training and actively encourage team members to perform quality problem solving through the formation of quality control circles (QCC) particularly in Indonesia automotive industry. In Malaysia automotive industry, the implementation was not fully effective, but they have started to cultivate those values in the daily execution. Based on the case study results and analysis, the researcher has provided suggestions for both countries as an improvement plan for successful QE implementation. These recommendations will allow management to implement appropriate strategies for better QE implementation which hopefully can improve company's performance and ultimately the making the automotive industry in both countries to reach world class quality. It is strongly believed that the findings of this study can help Malaysia and Indonesia automotive industries in their efforts to become more effective and competitive.

Operations management in automotive industries from industrial strategies to production resources management, through the industrialization process and supply chain to pursue value creation

CERN Document Server

Gobetto, Marco

2014-01-01

This book has proved its worth over the years as a text for courses in Production Management at the Faculty of Automotive Engineering in Turin, Italy, but deserves a wider audience as it presents a compendium of basics on Industrial Management, since it covers all major topics required. It treats all subjects from product development and “make or buy”-decision strategies to the manufacturing systems setting and management through analysis of the main resources needed in production and finally exploring the supply chain management and the procurement techniques. The very last chapter recapitulates the previous ones by analysing key management indicators to pursue the value creation that is the real purpose of every industrial enterprise. As an appendix, a specific chapter is dedicated to the basics of production management where all main relevant definitions, techniques and criteria are treated, including some numerical examples, in order to provide an adequate foundation for understanding the other chapte...

Beyond survival: Challenges facing South African automotive component exporters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. J. Naude

2006-12-01

Full Text Available Purpose and Objective: The South African automotive component industry faces huge challenges in a very competitive global market. The primary focus of this research article is to determine the challenges facing exporters within this industry with special reference to selected sub-sectors. The challenges are approached from a supply chain perspective only. Problem Investigated: The research problem of this study was to identify these unique challenges and ascertain whether the implementation of a 'philosophy of continuous improvement' could be used as a strategic tool to address the challenges they face in the market. Methodology: This study included a combination of literature review, interviews with managers in the selected sub-groups and questionnaires sent out to determine the challenges facing automotive component exporters. In order to test the content validity and the reliability of the questionnaire, a pilot study was conducted at two organisations that are the main suppliers of automotive filters for passenger vehicles. The non-probability convenience sample technique was used to select the sample and consisted of selected sub-sectors that contribute 64,1% of the total value of automotive component exports in South Africa. Out of twenty-seven questionnaires sent out, twenty (74% response rate were duly completed by the respondents and returned to the researcher. Findings: South Africa faces unique challenges and these are listed and ranked according to priority from most to least important as follows: 1. The reduction of production costs; 2. R/US$ exchange rate effect on the respondent's export sales and profit margin; 3. Exchange rate fluctuations; 4. Threats to the local automotive component market; and 5. Increased competition by way of manufactured imports being sold in the South African market. Value of Research: The study provides recommendations that can be used within the automotive component industry.

Lean tool used in the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Manuela Ingaldi

2014-10-01

Full Text Available In the paper basic concepts of Lean Manufacturing were presented. A company specializing in the development of vehicle dynamics, driver assistance systems, brake systems, seat belt sand electronics technology was characterized. The company is engaged in designing and manufacturing world-class products for the automotive market. The Lean tools used in the production hall, such as Yamazumi chart, machine motion analysis, MTM method and timing, were presented.

Relationship value antecedents in the South African automotive component supply chain

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aletta S. Tolmay

2017-05-01

Practical/managerial implications: It is suggested that superior supply chain practices within the South African automotive industry might secure business retention. Automotive component suppliers are therefore advised to implement relationship value strategies to promote higher value through personal interaction.

Green innovation adoption in automotive supply chain

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Zailani, Suhaiza; Govindan, Kannan; Iranmanesh, Mohammad

2015-01-01

generators of industrial waste that affect the quality of the natural environment. This study aims to investigate the determinants of green innovation adoption and its effect on firm performance. Data were gathered by surveying 153 firms in the Malaysian automotive supply chain industry. Data were analyzed...

Optimization of Temperature Level to Enhance Worker Performance in Automotive Industry

OpenAIRE

A. R. Ismail; M. Y.M. Yusof; N. K. Makhtar; B. M. Deros; M. R.A. Rani

2010-01-01

Problem statement: Production of automotive parts is among the largest contributor to economic earnings in Malaysia. The dominant work involve in producing automotive part were manual assembly process. Where it is definitely used a manpower capability. Thus the quality of the product heavily depends on workers comfort in the working condition. Temperature is one of the environmental factors that give significant effect on the worker performance. Approach: Temperature level and productivity ra...

Introduction to innovation in the East Asian automotive industry : Exploring the interplay between product architectures, firm strategies, and national innovation systems

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Bartnik, Roman; Wilhelm, Miriam; Fujimoto, Takahiro

2018-01-01

East Asia is the origin and target market for an increasing number of technological innovations. We use the East Asian automotive industry as a focal point to discuss central questions of innovation research such as modularity, product architecture, and the dynamics of state sponsorship in national

GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Graziella Ferrara

2017-01-01

Full Text Available This article aims to develop some concept on new economic geography. The authors presented a case study of a newborn carmaker that applies an innovative business model in auto industry. The current business environment is analyzed, problems of sustainability discussed, and a new business model proposed.

Supplier–customer relationships: Weaknesses in south african automotive supply chains

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. J. Naude

2012-11-01

Full Text Available The South African automotive industry, which is an important sector in the South African economy, needs to function efficiently if it is to compete internationally. However, South African automotive components manufacturers (ACMs are not internationally competitive and automotive assemblers, also known as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs, often import cheaper components from abroad. All parties in the South African automotive supply chains need each other to ensure optimal efficiency and competitiveness. Furthermore, it is vital that good relationships exist between customers and suppliers in the automotive supply chains in South Africa. ACMs are central to automotive supply chains. A survey was conducted among ACMs to determine the nature of relationships that exist between buyers and suppliers in South Africa’s automotive supply chains. The results showed that collaborative relationships do indeed exist between members of the supply chain but that communication, understanding of the parties’ situations and cooperation can improve this relationship and so create total alliance between OEMs and ACMs.

Proposal of a Sustainability Index for the Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Miguel F. Salvado

2015-02-01

Full Text Available In a scenario of increasing globalization, sustainable development has emerged as an attractive and strategic issue for both countries and individual organizations and their supply chains. Companies have faced different challenges in seeking to combine the best economic performance with increased social and environmental responsibility. Monitoring sustainability is essential for decision-making and management of activities that comprise an organization’s system processes. Evaluation can be performed using indices or a set of indicators. In addition to increasing organizational effectiveness and improving competitiveness, customer service and profitability, it is also a crucial influence on the development of business sustainability. This paper proposes a sustainability index that provides companies with information about their level of economic, social and environmental sustainability, showing their performance at both individual and supply chain level. The importance of the indicators is assessed by using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP methodology applied to a case study of a supply chain in the automotive industry. The various stages experienced during the construction of the index are also shown. The final results achieved are then presented and discussed in light of the objectives.

Fatal exit the automotive black box debate

CERN Document Server

Kowalick, Tom

2005-01-01

"Fatal Exit: The Automotive Black Box Debate cuts through thirty years of political wrangling and institutional biases to provide an argument for the Motor Vehicle Event Data Recorder (MVEDR). This automotive equivalent of an airplane's flight recorder or black box is intended to solve the mysteries of car crashes and improve the safety of our roads. The reader is taken inside the automotive industry and the government highway safety establishment to foster an understanding of the politics and the positions on all sides of this safety debate. The author takes an unbiased approach, chronologically presenting each argument and uncovering the agendas and mandates of each of the stakeholders." "This publication is essential reading for all consumers who need to have their voices heard on this critical issue, as well as for attorneys, public safety advocates, public policy administrators, engineers, automotive professionals, journalists, and insurance executives."--Jacket.

Powertrain diversity and electrification. Challenges and chances for the automotive industry; Antriebsstrangvielfalt und Elektrifizierung. Herausforderungen und Chancen fuer die Automobilindustrie

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bohr, Bernd [Robert Bosch GmbH, Stuttgart (Germany). Unternehmensbereich Kraftfahrzeugtechnik

2010-07-01

The major challenges and opportunities for the further development of the powertrain can be summed up as follows: - Both the diesel and the gasoline engine offer great potential for reducing consumption and emissions. However, realizing this potential will require heavy investments. - In the long run, the objective is a purely electric powertrain. The route to this objective will be a dual one, with hybrids as an interim technology on the one hand and the further development of the internal-combustion engine on the other. In the short-to-medium term, this will mean a diverse array of powertrain technologies. - The need to invest in both the internal-combustion engine and the electric powertrain, as well as to master the various drive train concepts, presents great challenges for the automotive industry. - The standardization of non-distinctive functions, major components, and interfaces is a lever for reducing costs, especially for the electric powertrain, whose development is only just getting underway. - Innovation partnerships, alliances, and pre-competitive collaboration agreements are a further way of reducing the investment costs of the individual market players, of increasing the speed of development, and thus of increasing the industry's competitiveness. - For three main reasons, the competencies and know-how required for electric vehicles differ from those needed for vehicles with internal-combustion engines. First, there is a far higher share of electrics and electronics in total value-added; second, there is a need for reliable batteries; and third, there are signs that new business models are emerging. These competencies and the know-how required must now be established in every part of the company. Success in this task will be a major factor in determining who the future players in the automotive industry will be. Achieving it is a strategic management task. - Suppliers and automakers must pool their resources if the European automotive industry

Nano-crystalline P/M aluminium for automotive applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hummert, K; Schattevoy, R; Broda, M; Knappe, M; Beiss, P; Klubberg, F; Schubert, T H; Leuschner, R

2009-01-01

The reduction of total vehicle weight and lowering of moving masses within the engine are key elements to overcome future emission challenges of the automotive industry. Within a German BMBF funded project the melt spinning technology will be driven to a series production status. The very fast cooling condition of the melt leads to a nano-structure of the aluminium material. This results in new material properties of known alloys. The strength increases dramatically without lowered forming behaviour. With this process the freedom of designing complex alloys is very flexible. Different alloys have been investigated for several applications, where high strength at room and elevated temperatures and/or high wear resistance is required. This paper presents some results regarding the processing, microstructure and mechanical properties of a developed Al-Ni-Fe alloy. This joined research project with partners from the automotive industry as well as automotive suppliers and universities is funded by the German BMBF 'NanoMobile' Program under Project number 03X3008.

Intellectual Capital and Innovation Performance: Empirical Evidence in the Turkish Automotive Supplier

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Muammer Zerenler

2008-12-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of intellectual capital of Turkish automotive supplier industry upon their innovation performance. This study showed that three types of intellectual capital – employee capital, structural capital, and customer capital – had a significantly positive relationship with innovation performance. Moreover, the results also indicated that the higher the growth rate of an industry, the stronger were the positive relationships between three types of intellectual capital and innovation performance. Besides, customer capital was the greatest among these three types of intellectual capital in Turkish automotive supplier industry, employee capital was the next, and structural capital was the least. This shows two points; first, Turkish automotive supplier industry emphasized the interactive “relations” with their suppliers, clients, and partners; second, it was imperative for Turkish manufacturing enterprises to develop their structural capital to increase their innovation performance.

Ergonomics and Kaizen as strategies for competitiveness: a theoretical and practical in an automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Vieira, Leandro; Balbinotti, Giles; Varasquin, Adriano; Gontijo, Leila

2012-01-01

With increased international competitiveness in the automotive industry, came the concern of the companies save costs and lower production costs. For this purpose many ways are designed to reduce costs and waste of raw materials and reduce activities that do not aggregate value to manufacturing processes. In the early XVII appears the manufacturing system, which processes were hard with little concern for the health and safety of employees and conditions of the workplace. After the advent of the production system called lean manufacturing, a new paradigm in terms of production system capable of providing high levels of productivity and quality. It is based on waste elimination that occur during the production process. After began a new way of thinking, creating a culture of continuous improvement and lean process with no waste and reducing costs, without neglecting the welfare worker and improving the conditions of their work environment. This paper presents a reflection on the application of ergonomics in a lean production system of an automotive industry, using methodology based on the Kaizen (Continuous Improvement) to gain performance and improving the conditions of the workplace, also will be presented with positive and negative points in using this methodology in relation to ergonomics. The research will be conducted by collecting data 'in loco' and interviews with workers. Some studies show that in companies that are lean system and using the methodology of Kaizen, the results of product quality, levels of absenteeism and accidents are better than those obtained in companies that do not apply the same concept.

Hydrogen as automotive fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dini, D.; Ciancia, A.; Pede, G.; Sglavo, V.; ENEA, Rome

1992-01-01

An assessment of the technical/economic feasibility of the use of hydrogen as an automotive fuel is made based on analyses of the following: the chemical- physical properties of hydrogen in relation to its use in internal combustion engines; the modifications necessary to adapt internal combustion engines to hydrogen use; hydrogen fuel injection systems - with water vapour injection, cryogenic injection, and the low or high pressure injection of hydrogen directly into the combustion chamber; the current commercialization status of hydrogen automotive fuels; energy efficiency ratings; environmental impacts; in-vehicle storage systems - involving the use of hydrides, high pressure systems and liquid hydrogen storage systems; performance in terms of pay-load ratio; autonomous operation; and operating costs. The paper concludes that, considering current costs for hydrogen fuel production, distribution and use, at present, the employment of hydrogen fuelled vehicles is feasible only in highly polluted urban environments where the innovative vehicle's air pollution abatement characteristics would justify its high operating costs as compared with those of conventional automotive alternatives

Fatigue life of automotive rubber jounce bumper

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sidhu, R S; Ali, Aidy

2010-01-01

It is evident that most rubber components in the automotive industry are subjected to repetitive loading. Vigorous research is needed towards improving the safety and reliability of the components. The study was done on an automotive rubber jounce bumper with a rubber hardness of 60 IRHD. The test was conducted in displacement-controlled environment under compressive load. The existing models by Kim, Harbour, Woo and Li were adopted to predict the fatigue life. The experimental results show strong similarities with the predicted models.

Determinants of capital structure: evidence from the Czech automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavlína Pinková

2012-01-01

Full Text Available The objective of the paper is to identify the determinants influencing the capital structure of large and medium-sized enterprises of the automotive industry in the Czech Republic. The sample consists of 100 companies belonging to NACE division 29. The data come from financial statements of selected companies and cover a period from 2006 to 2010. For the purpose of the paper quantitative research is used. The selection of appropriate dependent and independent is realized on the basis of secondary research on studies of capital structure. The analysis of variance, correlation and regression analyses have been performed to see the nature of relationship between variables. Size, tangibility, profitability and liquidity appear to be relevant determinants of capital structure. Growth is not a statistically significant determinant of leverage. It has been observed that the maturity of debt has to be considered, since the investigation of total debt only does not provide precious results. The findings do not unequivocally support either the static trade-off theory or the pecking order theory.

Innovative Technology in Automotive Technology

Science.gov (United States)

Gardner, John

2007-01-01

Automotive Technology combines hands-on training along with a fully integrated, interactive, computerized multistationed facility. Our program is a competency based, true open-entry/open-exit program that utilizes flexible self-paced course outlines. It is designed around an industry partnership that promotes community and economic development,…

Energy management for automotive power nets

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kessels, J.T.B.A.

2007-01-01

Reducing fuel consumption has always been a major challenge to the automotive industry. Whereas first marketing aspects gave rise to innovative research, today the environmental regulations have become the main driving force behind new technologies. Historically, the research concentrated on

Active Electromagnetic Interference Cancelation for Automotive Switch-Mode Audio Power Amplifiers

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Knott, Arnold; Pfaffinger, Gerhard; Andersen, Michael A. E.

2009-01-01

Recent trends in the automotive audio industry have shown the importance of active noise cancelation (ANC) for major improvements in mobile entertainment environments. These approaches target the acoustical noise in the cabin and superimpose an inverse noise signal to cancel disturbances. Electro......Recent trends in the automotive audio industry have shown the importance of active noise cancelation (ANC) for major improvements in mobile entertainment environments. These approaches target the acoustical noise in the cabin and superimpose an inverse noise signal to cancel disturbances...

Supply chain challenges in the South African automotive sector: do location, size and age matter?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Micheline Juliana Naude

2013-11-01

Full Text Available The South African automotive industry makes an important contribution to the South African economy. However, there are deficiencies within the local automotive component manufacturers’ (ACMs supplier base and therefore automotive assemblers, or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs, have to import many of their parts requirements. These deficiencies are caused by ACMs’ lack of technology, global supply capability, cost competitiveness and their geographic location (ACMs are scattered across the country. A study was conducted to explore the supply chain challenges South African ACMs face and whether the location, size and age of participating ACMs have a bearing on whether they face the same challenges. The results revealed that the most significant supply chain challenges in South Africa were in the customer relationship category. From the hypotheses testing, the conclusion could be drawn that, in general, participating ACMs face common supply chain challenges, irrespective of their location, age and size.This article contributes to the published research on the topic and the findings reveal that business opportunities in the automotive industry exist for entrepreneurs aspiring to enter into the automotive component industry.

Comparative analysis of energy impacts of traditional and partly electronic environmental auditing: Learning from the Japanese automotive industry case

OpenAIRE

Mbohwa, C

2008-01-01

This paper does a comparative analysis and assessment of energy impacts of traditional and partly electronic ISO 14001 environmental management system auditing that using videoconferencing systems. The focus is on the Japanese automotive industry. The idea is to quantify the environmental impacts of auditing and resolve the important question on whether or not the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in environmental auditing reduces environmental impacts in IS...

Applications Of Laser Processing For Automotive Manufacturing In Japan

Science.gov (United States)

Ito, Masashi; Ueda, Katsuhiko; Takagi, Soya

1986-11-01

Recently in Japan, laser processing is increasingly being employed for production, so that laser cutting, laser welding and other laser material processing have begun to be used in various industries. As a result, the number of lasers sold has been increasing year by year in Japan. In the Japanese automotive industry, a number applications have been introduced in laboratories and production lines. In this paper, several current instances of such laser applications will be introduced. In the case of welding, studies have been conducted on applying laser welding to automatic transmission components, in place of electron beam welding. Another example of application, the combination of lasers and robots to form highly flexible manufacturing systems, has been adopted for trimming steel panel and plastic components.

INNOVATION LEAN PRINCIPLES IN AUTOMOTIVE GREEN MANUFACTURING

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Dušan Sabadka

2014-12-01

Full Text Available Today, industries such as automotive and manufacturing industries deal with a lot of environmental regulations. Lean is a production strategy whose fundamental principles drive the industry towards a more effective production of goods and services. The eco-efficiency concept is primary to sustainable development and intends to provide more value with less environmental impact. The aim of this study is to identify and explore the contributions of Lean to reduce environmental impacts that naturally result from industrial activity.

The California greenhouse gas initiative and its implications to the automotive industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Smith, B. C.; Miller, R. T.; Center for Automotive Research

2006-05-31

CAR undertook this investigation to better understand the costs and challenges of a local (state) regulation necessitating the implementation of alternative or advanced powertrain technology. CAR will attempt to add insight into the challenges that local regulations present to the automotive industry, and to contribute further to the discussion of how advanced powertrain technology may be used to meet such regulation. Any local law that (directly or indirectly) affects light duty motor vehicle fuel economy creates what in effect is a specialty market for powertrain technology. As such these small markets present significant challenges for automotive manufacturers. First, a small market with unique standards presents significant challenges to an industry that has sustained growth by relying on large volumes to achieve scale economies and deliver products at a cost acceptable to the consumer. Further, the challenges of the additional technology make it likely that any powertrain capable of meeting the stringent emissions standards will include costly additional components, and thus will be more costly to manufacture. It is likely that manufacturers would consider the following actions as steps to deliver products to meet the pending California regulatory requirements anticipated as a result of prior California legislation: (1) Substituting more fuel efficient vehicles: Bring in more efficient vehicles from global operations, while likely dropping existing domestic products. (2) Substituting powertrains: Add existing downsized engines (i.e. turbocharged versions, etc.) into California market-bound vehicles. (3) Powertrain enhancements: Add technology to current engine and transmission offerings to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. (4) Incorporating alternative powertrains into existing vehicle platforms: Develop a hybrid or other type of powertrain for an existing vehicle. (5) New powertrains and new platforms: Develop vehicles specifically intended to

75 FR 34483 - In the Matter of Certain Automotive Vehicles and Designs Therefore; Notice of Investigation

Science.gov (United States)

2010-06-17

... automotive vehicles and designs therefore that infringe U.S. Patent No. D513,395, and whether an industry in... Industry Zone, Yongkang, Zhejiang Province, China 321307. Shanghai Xingyue Power Machinery Co. Ltd., No... INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION [Inv. No. 337-TA-722] In the Matter of Certain Automotive Vehicles...

Evolution of the Automotive Body Coating Process—A Review

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Nelson K. Akafuah

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Automotive coatings and the processes used to coat automobile surfaces exemplify the avant-garde of technologies that are capable of producing durable surfaces, exceeding customers’ expectations of appearance, maximizing efficiency, and meeting environmental regulations. These accomplishments are rooted in 100 years of experience, trial-and-error approaches, technique and technology advancements, and theoretical assessments. Because of advancements directed at understanding the how, why, when, and where of automobile coatings, the progress in controlling droplets and their deposition attributes, and the development of new technologies and paint chemistries, a comprehensive and up-to-date review of automobile coatings and coating technologies was considered to be of value to industrial practitioners and researchers. Overall, the critical performance factors driving the development and use of advanced automotive coatings and coating technologies are (a aesthetic characteristics; (b corrosion protection; (c mass production; (d cost and environmental requirements; and (e appearance and durability. Although the relative importance of each of these factors is debatable, the perfection of any one at the expense of another would be unacceptable. Hence, new developments in automotive coatings are described and discussed in the following review, and then related to improvements in production technologies and paints. Modern automotive coating procedures are also discussed in detail. Finally, an extrapolation into the future of automotive coating is offered with a view of the developments and technologies needed for an increasingly efficient and more sustainable coatings industry.

Current status and challenges for automotive battery production technologies

Science.gov (United States)

Kwade, Arno; Haselrieder, Wolfgang; Leithoff, Ruben; Modlinger, Armin; Dietrich, Franz; Droeder, Klaus

2018-04-01

Production technology for automotive lithium-ion battery (LIB) cells and packs has improved considerably in the past five years. However, the transfer of developments in materials, cell design and processes from lab scale to production scale remains a challenge due to the large number of consecutive process steps and the significant impact of material properties, electrode compositions and cell designs on processes. This requires an in-depth understanding of the individual production processes and their interactions, and pilot-scale investigations into process parameter selection and prototype cell production. Furthermore, emerging process concepts must be developed at lab and pilot scale that reduce production costs and improve cell performance. Here, we present an introductory summary of the state-of-the-art production technologies for automotive LIBs. We then discuss the key relationships between process, quality and performance, as well as explore the impact of materials and processes on scale and cost. Finally, future developments and innovations that aim to overcome the main challenges are presented.

Collaboration within the Supply Chain: Perception for the Automotive Industry in Morocco

OpenAIRE

Mohamed Mamad; Fatima Ouazzani Chahdi

2013-01-01

Based on a periodical of literature on the collaboration stakes within supply chain, this article studies the Moroccan automotive sector. It allows to answer the following questions: Does the Moroccan automotive sector use collaborative practices between the actors? If this is the case, what stakes can we draw for these actors? These are the questions to which we will try to answer from an exploratory empirical research with the help of suppliers, customers and logistic service providers.

Model-based control for automotive applications

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Naus, G.J.L.

2010-01-01

The number of distributed control systems in modern vehicles has increased exponentially over the past decades. Today’s performance improvements and innovations in the automotive industry are often resolved using embedded control systems. As a result, a modern vehicle can be regarded as a complex

The Swedish Automotive Cluster : How will it be affected by foreign acquisitions at the end of the value chain?

OpenAIRE

Sundqvist, Helena

2011-01-01

In this master thesis it is analyzed how the Swedish automotive cluster will be affected by foreign acquisitions at the end of the value chain. This is a relevant topic as the Swedish automotive industry is a very important industry in Sweden. It is of interest to evaluate how the recent shifts of ownership for the Swedish automotive manufacturers will affect the Swedish automotive cluster as a whole. It is also relevant from a theoretical point of view and this thesis draws on the extensive ...

Black economic empowerment in the Eastern Cape automotive industry: Challenges and policies

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

GS Horn

2014-05-01

Full Text Available Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs in South Africa are under pressure to meet the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE policies and charters of the South African government by giving BEE suppliers additional opportunities to tender. However, many BEE suppliers, due to being historically disadvantaged, experience various problems which make it difficult for them to win tenders, including lack of finances, opportunities to tender and management and business skills, and problems with quality and capacity. This paper outlines these practical problems experienced by BEE suppliers, the effects of these problems on risk and complexity in the South African automotive industry and policies that address these problems and assist BEE suppliers to become A-rated suppliers. Data for the paper was obtained from interviews with: senior employees of the AIDC involved with supplier development training; middle managers of supplier quality and development departments at the three OEMs in the Eastern Cape Province; and BEE and small suppliers identified to undergo AIDC training. The findings of the study are that unless sufficient training is given to BEE and potential BEE suppliers, supply to OEMs will remain in the hands of existing established suppliers and very little transformation will occur within the automobile industry in South Africa.

Non-destructive analysis of flake properties in automotive paints with full-field optical coherence tomography and 3D segmentation.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Jinke; Williams, Bryan M; Lawman, Samuel; Atkinson, David; Zhang, Zijian; Shen, Yaochun; Zheng, Yalin

2017-08-07

Automotive coating systems are designed to protect vehicle bodies from corrosion and enhance their aesthetic value. The number, size and orientation of small metallic flakes in the base coat of the paint has a significant effect on the appearance of automotive bodies. It is important for quality assurance (QA) to be able to measure the properties of these small flakes, which are approximately 10μm in radius, yet current QA techniques are limited to measuring layer thickness. We design and develop a time-domain (TD) full-field (FF) optical coherence tomography (OCT) system to scan automotive panels volumetrically, non-destructively and without contact. We develop and integrate a segmentation method to automatically distinguish flakes and allow measurement of their properties. We test our integrated system on nine sections of five panels and demonstrate that this integrated approach can characterise small flakes in automotive coating systems in 3D, calculating the number, size and orientation accurately and consistently. This has the potential to significantly impact QA testing in the automotive industry.

Hydrogen as automotive fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ambrosini, G.; Ciancia, A.; Pede, G.; Brighigna, M.

1993-01-01

Hydrogen fueled vehicles may just be the answer to the air pollution problem in highly polluted urban environments where the innovative vehicle's air pollution abatement characteristics would justify its high operating costs as compared with those of conventional automotive alternatives. This paper examines the feasibility of hydrogen as an automotive fuel by analyzing the following aspects: the chemical-physical properties of hydrogen in relation to its use in internal combustion engines; the modifications necessary to adapt internal combustion engines to hydrogen use; hydrogen fuel injection systems; current production technologies and commercialization status of hydrogen automotive fuels; energy efficiency ratings; environmental impacts; in-vehicle storage systems - involving the use of hydrides, high pressure systems and liquid hydrogen storage systems; performance in terms of pay-load ratio; autonomous operation; and operating costs. With reference to recent trial results being obtained in the USA, an assessment is also made of the feasibility of the use of methane-hydrogen mixtures as automotive fuels. The paper concludes with a review of progress being made by ENEA (the Italian Agency for New Technology, Energy and the Environment) in the development of fuel storage and electronic fuel injection systems for hydrogen powered vehicles

Automotive mechatronics automotive networking, driving stability systems, electronics

CERN Document Server

2015-01-01

As the complexity of automotive vehicles increases this book presents operational and practical issues of automotive mechatronics. It is a comprehensive introduction to controlled automotive systems and provides detailed information of sensors for travel, angle, engine speed, vehicle speed, acceleration, pressure, temperature, flow, gas concentration etc. The measurement principles of the different sensor groups are explained and examples to show the measurement principles applied in different types. Contents Basics of mechatronics.- Architecture.- Electronic control unit.- Software development.- Basic principles of networking.- Automotive networking.- Bus systems.- Automotive sensors.- Sensor measuring principles.- Sensor types.- Electric actuators.- Electrohydraulic actuators.- Electronic transmission control.- Electronic transmission control unit.- Modules for transmission control.- Antilock braking system.- Traction control system.- Electronic stability program.- Automatic brake functions.- Hydraulic modu...

Influence of different safety shoes on gait and plantar pressure: a standardized examination of workers in the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Ochsmann, Elke; Noll, Ulrike; Ellegast, Rolf; Hermanns, Ingo; Kraus, Thomas

2016-01-01

Objective: Working conditions, such as walking and standing on hard surfaces, can increase the development of musculoskeletal complaints. At the interface between flooring and musculoskeletal system, safety shoes may play an important role in the well-being of employees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different safety shoes on gait and plantar pressure distributions on industrial flooring. Methods: Twenty automotive workers were individually fitted out with three differe...

Relationship between lighting and noise levels and productivity of the occupants in automotive assembly industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Akbari, Jafar; Dehghan, Habibollah; Azmoon, Hiva; Forouharmajd, Farhad

2013-01-01

Work environment affects human productivity and his performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of lighting and noise levels on human productivity in the automotive assembly industry. Subjects were 181 workers from different parts of an automobile assembly industry. Illuminance (Lx) at the height of 30 inches from the surface of work station and noise (dBA) were locally measured. Also human productivity by the Goldsmith and Hersey scale (1980) was measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v20 Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed that the relationship between noise level and human productivity is negative and significant (P productivity (P > 0.05). Based on the results, in assembly tasks, noise has a negative impact on human productivity, and lighting does not affect this. So, in order to increase employee productivity, noise control and reduction to less than the standard values (less than 85 dB) is necessary.

Relationship between Lighting and Noise Levels and Productivity of the Occupants in Automotive Assembly Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jafar Akbari

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Work environment affects human productivity and his performance. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of lighting and noise levels on human productivity in the automotive assembly industry. Method. Subjects were 181 workers from different parts of an automobile assembly industry. Illuminance (Lx at the height of 30 inches from the surface of work station and noise (dBA were locally measured. Also human productivity by the Goldsmith and Hersey scale (1980 was measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v20 Pearson correlation coefficient. Results. The results showed that the relationship between noise level and human productivity is negative and significant (, , but there was no significant relationship between lighting and human productivity (. Conclusion. Based on the results, in assembly tasks, noise has a negative impact on human productivity, and lighting does not affect this. So, in order to increase employee productivity, noise control and reduction to less than the standard values (less than 85 dB is necessary.

Formalizing correspondence rules for automotive architectural views

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Dajsuren, Y.; Gerpheide, C.M.; Serebrenik, A.; Wijs, A.J.; Vasilescu, B.N.; Brand, van den M.G.J.; Seinturier, L.; Bures, T.; McGregor, J.D.

2014-01-01

Architecture views have long been used in software industry to systematically model complex systems by representing them from the perspective of related stakeholder concerns. However, consensus has not been reached for the architecture views between automotive architecture description languages and

The correlation between relationship value and business expansion in the South African automotive supply chains

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aletta S. Tolmay

2017-02-01

Full Text Available Background: The South African automotive industry includes complete supply chains. The South African automotive supply chain stakeholders operating within the global arena are faced with opportunities as well as challenges. The South African government supports the automotive industry and encourages the vision to drastically expand the industry by the year 2020. However, having to adhere to strict prescriptions from customers regarding product quality and logistics, automotive component suppliers have only the actual relationship with customers through which value can be added. Literature acknowledges the importance of relationship value and agrees that it results in business retention. However, literature fails to prove whether relationship value can result in business expansion where more business is generated. Objectives: The objective of this article was to provide a better understanding of how to optimise relationship value within the South African automotive supply chains between Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Furthermore, the correlation between relationship value and business expansion was tested through a linear regression model. It was also important to determine whether supply chain stakeholders from different countries of origin and cultural backgrounds attach the same importance to relationship value. Method: This article reports on research which followed a positivistic paradigm, through a quantitative study undertaken in the South African automotive supply chains. Members of the National Association for Automobile Component and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM, defined as Tier 1 suppliers, were approached to describe their best Tier 2 suppliers. Questions relating to relationship value and business expansion were asked via a closed-ended questionnaire. The aim was to obtain the perceptions of Tier 1 suppliers of their best Tier 2 suppliers in terms of relationship value and business expansion. The data were analysed

Analyzing internal barriers for automotive parts remanufacturers in China using grey-DEMATEL approach

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Xia, Xiqiang; Govindan, Kannan; Zhu, Qinghua

2015-01-01

analyzes internal barriers met by automotive parts remanufacturers and evaluates causal barriers by a proposed model framework. This objective is illustrated by employing the Grey Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. By virtue of these findings, remanufacturers can eradicate......Automotive industries have attracted attention from international sectors recently. This attention to the industry results in many innovative technologies being integrated in these manufacturing arenas. In developing countries such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) countries...

Utilization of Infrared Fiber Optic in the Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Tucker, Dennis S.; Brantley, Lott W. (Technical Monitor)

2001-01-01

Fiber optics are finding a place in the automotive industry. Illumination is the primary application today. Soon, however, fiber optics will be used for data communications and sensing applications. Silica fiber optics and plastic fibers are sufficient for illumination and communication applications however, sensing applications involving high temperature measurement and remote gas analysis would benefit from the use of infrared fiber optics. Chalcogonide and heavy metal fluoride glass optical fibers are two good candidates for these applications. Heavy metal fluoride optical fibers are being investigated by NASA for applications requiring transmission in the infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Zirconium-Barium-Lanthanum-Aluminum-Sodium-Fluoride (ZBLAN) is one such material which has been investigated. This material has a theoretical attenuation coefficient 100 times lower than that of silica and transmits into the mid-IR. However, the measured attenuation coefficient is higher than silica due to impurities and crystallization. Impurities can be taken care of by utilizing cleaner experimental protocol. It has been found that crystallization can be suppressed by processing in reduced gravity. Fibers processed in reduced gravity on the KC135 reduced gravity aircraft were found to be free of crystals while those processed on the ground were found to have crystals. These results will be presented along with plans for producing continuous lengths of ZBLAN optical fiber on board the International Space Station.

Ethical business practices in the Eastern Cape automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hendrik Lloyd

2014-11-01

Full Text Available High profile scandals have brought about a renewed interest in business ethics and, in particular, inunderstanding the factors that promote ethical behaviour. Business ethics is about identifying andimplementing values, rules and standards of conduct for guiding morally right behaviour in an organisation’sinteraction with its stakeholders. Against this background a quantitative analysis of the ethical practices of46 companies operating in the Eastern Cape automotive industry was conducted to determine the extent towhich ethics-related interventions contributed to establishing and maintaining an ethical organisationalenvironment. A structured online questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data collected wassubjected to extensive statistical analyses, including Cronbach Alpha coefficients and item total correlations,and various descriptive statistics were included as a quantitative summary of the data. A constant referencevalue for the study was also calculated to allow inferences regarding the significance of the tested variablesto the study. The results revealed that the organisations in the sample are highly ethical due to the presenceof ethics-related interventions, including a code of ethics, committed leadership, adherence to internal andexternal governance requirements, compliance with legislation and encouragement and disclosure ofunethical behaviour. In light of the high number of ethical scandals internationally, this study will add to theempirical body of business ethics research, as it provides organisations with a framework to establish andmaintain an ethical business environment.

Leadership and New Technologies. New Security Issues for Management of Internet Connectivity and Remote Control in Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Cosmin Cătălin Olteanu

2015-05-01

Full Text Available The main purpose of the paper is to illustrate the importance of implementing new security policies for infotainment systems in automotive industry. A car is full of technology and is easier today to control car systems through an internet connection linked to car system infotainment. This is how it is possible to gain control of critical car systems. More than 84% of users doesn’t even know the risk of remote control of the car in the presence of Internet connection.

Techno-economic requirements for automotive composites

Science.gov (United States)

Arnold, Scot

1993-01-01

New technology generally serves two main goals of the automotive industry: one is to enable vehicles to comply with various governmental regulations and the other is to provide a competitive edge in the market. The latter goal can either be served through improved manufacturing and design capabilities, such as computer aided design and computer aided manufacturing, or through improved product performance, such as anti-lock braking (ABS). Although safety features are sometimes customer driven, such as the increasing use of airbags and ABS, most are determined by regulations as outlined by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Other standards, set by the Environmental Protection Agency, determine acceptable levels of emissions and fuel consumption. State governments, such as in California, are also setting precedent standards, such as requiring manufacturers to offer zero-emission vehicles as a certain fraction of their sales in the state. The drive to apply new materials in the automobile stems from the need to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. Topics discussed include: new lightweight materials; types of automotive materials; automotive composite applications; the role for composite materials in automotive applications; advantages and disadvantages of composite materials; material substitution economics; economic perspective; production economics; and composite materials production economics.

Social media for knowledge sharing in automotive repair

CERN Document Server

Finkbeiner, Patric

2017-01-01

This book explores, describes and explains the predictors essential for the acceptance of social media as a digital platform to share professional knowledge in the field of automotive repair in Germany. It reports a rigorous literature review covering key elements of social media, knowledge management and technology acceptance studies. The book assumes a pragmatist approach and applies mixed methods in an exploratory sequential design, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to ensure robust collection and analysis of the collected data. Based on a survey on German automotive repair shops, the author provides a framework, for various stakeholders, to comprehend the motivations for knowledge sharing for automotive repair professionals in Germany. This book not only adds to the existing academic body of knowledge but also provides implications for industry and legislation on a European scale. .

Incentives for HIV testing at the workplace in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Ethical considerations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Martin Weihs

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Comprehensive HIV and AIDS workplace programmes made use of substantial lottery incentives in HIV counselling and testing drives to promote HIV testing at four companies in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The main aim was to use lottery incentives to increase uptake for HIV testing. This would help to define company HIV prevalence and ensure timely support, care and treatment of employees. In total, 1 324 employees, making up about 90% of the total staff, were tested for HIV in the four companies during wellness testing days. In order to gain an understanding of employees’ experiences of the lotteries as part of the HIV counselling and testing drive, quantitative data were collected among a total of 414 employees, and 17 interviews were conducted in the four companies. In this article, we investigate the issue of whether the lotteries unduly influenced the employees’ participation in workplace HIV testing, and an approach to resolving an identified ethical dilemma is presented. The ethical question as to whether lottery incentives contribute to undue coercion was explored using both a utilitarian and a deontological approach. The analysis concluded that the use of lotteries to encourage HIV testing in the workplaces of the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality can be deemed morally acceptable.

Incentives for HIV testing at the workplace in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality: Ethical considerations

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Martin Weihs

2017-07-01

Full Text Available Comprehensive HIV and AIDS workplace programmes made use of substantial lottery incentives in HIV counselling and testing drives to promote HIV testing at four companies in the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. The main aim was to use lottery incentives to increase uptake for HIV testing. This would help to define company HIV prevalence and ensure timely support, care and treatment of employees. In total, 1 324 employees, making up about 90% of the total staff, were tested for HIV in the four companies during wellness testing days. In order to gain an understanding of employees’ experiences of the lotteries as part of the HIV counselling and testing drive, quantitative data were collected among a total of 414 employees, and 17 interviews were conducted in the four companies. In this article, we investigate the issue of whether the lotteries unduly influenced the employees’ participation in workplace HIV testing, and an approach to resolving an identified ethical dilemma is presented. The ethical question as to whether lottery incentives contribute to undue coercion was explored using both a utilitarian and a deontological approach. The analysis concluded that the use of lotteries to encourage HIV testing in the workplaces of the automotive industry in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality can be deemed morally acceptable.

Automotive fuels. Quality current and future perspectives

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Avella, F.

1999-01-01

In the present paper, a general view of the automotive fuel characteristics and of the influence of the most important fuel parameters on the engine performance and emissions are presented. At short term, the future scenario is conditioned by the application of the next European Directive on fuel specifications, that will came into effect on 1 January 2000. The composition of liquid fuels shall be subject to modifications nd restrictions to meet the new specifications Among alternative fuels, natural gas and Lpg (liquefied petroleum gases) are the most interesting in the view point of environmental protection. Biodiesel constitutes a potential and valid alternative to mineral gas oil in diesel engines [it

REASONS FOR JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY GLOBAL SUCESS

OpenAIRE

Marek Rutka

2016-01-01

The article describes the story of both Japan and South Korean automotive industry development. Author points out the political, social and economical success factors of this branch in the global market. He also mentions major industry barriers which influen-tial the development of the automotive industry in both countries. Finally he presents the probable development perspectives for both Japan and South Korea automotive industry.

REASONS FOR JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY GLOBAL SUCESS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Marek Rutka

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The article describes the story of both Japan and South Korean automotive industry development. Author points out the political, social and economical success factors of this branch in the global market. He also mentions major industry barriers which influen-tial the development of the automotive industry in both countries. Finally he presents the probable development perspectives for both Japan and South Korea automotive industry.

Transnationals, Globalisation and Education and Training: Evidence from the South African Automotive Sector

Science.gov (United States)

McGrath, Simon

2007-01-01

This study explores the relationships between globalisation and education and training through an examination of certain transnational corporations operating in the automotive sector in South Africa. The automotive industry is an important source of improvements in both the quality and quantity of skills in South Africa. This sector was the…

Mediator Effect of TPM between TQM and Business Performance in Malaysia Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, M. F.; Zakuan, N.; Rasi, Raja Zuraidah R. M.; Hisyamudin, M. N. N.

2015-05-01

Total Quality Management (TQM) is vital management tool in ensuring a company can success in the continuously growing competition in the global market. In order to survive in the global market with intense competition amongst regions and enterprises, the adoption of tools and techniques are essential in improving business performance. However, only few previous studies have examined the mediators and moderators between TQM and business performance. This present research proposed a TQM performance model with mediator effect of TPM with structural equation modelling, which is a more comprehensive model for developing countries, specifically for Malaysia. A questionnaire was prepared and sent to 1500 companies from automotive industry and the related vendors in Malaysia, giving a 21.3 per cent rate. The result concludes that TPM is partial mediation between and TQM and Business Performance with indirect effect (IE) is 0.25 which can be categorised as high mediator effect.

Customer Ranking Model for Project Businesses: A Case Study from the Automotive Industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bernd Markus Zunk

2014-03-01

Full Text Available For technology-orientated enterprises that operate project-based businesses, the goal-oriented allocation of scarce marketing resources has great potential to help consolidate their competitive position. An important precondition for goal-oriented management is the identification of the most valuable customers. This enables technology-orientated enterprises to segment markets in order to make tactical marketing decisions. This theorybased paper aims to develop and test a holistic customer ranking model. By deploying the five steps presented in this paper, customer relationship managers are better able to identify and to rank their customers in project-based businesses. A case study provides an example of the application of the method from the automotive industry in Austria. The experiences derived from this case study show that using a customer ranking framework is a crucial factor for enterprises in narrow technology markets to be successful and to achieve their corporate goals.

A review on paint sludge from automotive industries: Generation, characteristics and management.

Science.gov (United States)

Salihoglu, Guray; Salihoglu, Nezih Kamil

2016-03-15

The automotive manufacturing process results in the consumption of several natural sources and the generation of various types of wastes. The primary source of hazardous wastes at an automotive manufacturing plant is the painting process, and the major waste fraction is paint sludge, which is classified with EU waste code of 080113* implying hazardous characteristics. The amount of the paint sludge generated increases every year with the worldwide increase in the car production. The characteristics of the paint sludge, which mainly designate the management route, are mainly determined by the type of the paint used, application technique employed, and the chemicals applied such as flocculants, detackifiers, pH boosters, antifoam agents, and biocides as well as the dewatering techniques preferred. Major routes for the disposal of the paint sludges are incineration as hazardous waste or combustion at cement kilns. Because of high dissolved organic carbon content of the paint, the paint sludge cannot be accepted by landfills according to European Union Legislations. More investigations are needed in the field of paint sludge recycling such as recycling it as a new paint or as other formulations, or making use of the sludge for the production of construction materials. Research on the applicability of the paint sludge in composting and biogasification can also be useful. Ongoing research is currently being conducted on new application techniques to increase the effectiveness of paint transfer, which helps to prevent the generation of paint sludge. Advancements in paint and coating chemistry such as the reduction in the coating layers with its thickness also help to decrease the level of paint sludge generation. Investigations on the effects of the chemicals on the recycling potential of paint sludges and consideration of these effects by the chemical manufacturer companies would be extremely important. This review presents the formation of paint sludge, the factors

Sustainability Assessment in Automotive and Electronics Supply Chains—A Set of Indicators Defined in a Multi-Stakeholder Approach

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Josef-Peter Schöggl

2016-11-01

Full Text Available In automotive and electronics supply chains, sustainability assessment is gaining increasing importance. More stringent regulations and growing customer pressure are driving the change towards more environmentally, socially and economically responsible supply chains. Since this implies a rising use of resources for data collection, monitoring, exchange and assessment, the objective of this paper is to facilitate supply chain sustainability assessment. The present paper first provides a tailored set of 69 supply chain sustainability indicators for the European automotive and electronics industries. These were derived on the basis of a systematic literature review, together with 13 semi-structured interviews and five focus group workshops, all of which involved sustainability and industry experts. Second, the paper provides a case example of software-based supply chain sustainability data exchange. The extent to which sustainability information is currently exchanged in the two industries is also analyzed. The set of indicators is scientifically relevant since it considers all three dimensions of sustainability and is intended to allow for supply chain-wide sustainability assessment in two specific industries. It is also of high practical relevance since it was developed with and validated by industry experts, and also since it considers industrial and technical requirements for supply chain sustainability assessment in order to increase the efficiency of the work processes.

General Mechanical Repair. Minor Automotive Maintenance, Small Engine [Repair, and] Welding: Student Manual.

Science.gov (United States)

Hamlin, Larry

This document is a student manual for a general mechanical repair course. Following a list of common essential elements of trade and industrial education, the manual is divided into three sections. The first section, on minor automotive maintenance, contains 13 units: automotive shop safety; engine principles; fuel system operation and repair;…

38 CFR 17.155 - Minimum standards of safety and quality for automotive adaptive equipment.

Science.gov (United States)

2010-07-01

... safety and quality for automotive adaptive equipment. 17.155 Section 17.155 Pensions, Bonuses, and... Minimum standards of safety and quality for automotive adaptive equipment. (a) The Under Secretary for... officials that it meets implicit standards of safety and quality adopted by the industry or as later...

A sustentabilidade na indústria automobilística: vantagem competitiva ou um sonho distante? Sustainability in automotive industry: competitive advantage or a distant dream?

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Almir Carvalho

2013-03-01

Full Text Available DOI: 10.5902/198346597741A introdução de aspectos relativos à sustentabilidade nos negócios faz parte do cenário empresarial nos mais diversos setores. Para a indústria automobilística, não é diferente; ao contrário, as discussões podem ser ainda mais intensas por se tratar de um setor de grande importância econômica e com impactos sociais e ambientais consideráveis. Este estudo tem por objetivo identificar como as questões relacionadas à sustentabilidade podem influenciar a decisão dos consumidores da indústria automobilística no Brasil, tendo como amostra consumidores residentes na cidade de São Paulo, a maior cidade do país. A pesquisa empírica, do tipo survey, compreendeu uma amostra de 184 consumidores da cidade de São Paulo, que responderam a um questionário enviado eletronicamente. Os resultados apontam para evidências ainda pouco expressivas em termos de influência de aspectos de sustentabilidade na percepção dos consumidores, em detrimento de fatores de ordem econômica, o que pode comprometer possíveis estratégias voltadas à sustentabilidade por parte das empresas do setor. The introduction of sustainability aspects in business has been a part of the current scenario in any industry. For automotive sector this is no different; on the contrary, discussions can be even more intense because it is a sector of great importance, regarding economic, social and environmental impacts. This study aims to identify how sustainability issues can influence Brazilian customers’ decision related to automotive industry, through a sample of consumers located in the city of São Paulo, the largest one in the country. The empirical research is of survey type and gathered a sample of 184 consumers, who answered a questionnaire sent electronically. The outcomes point out to the little significant scores in terms of the influence of sustainability aspects in the perception of consumers – rather than of economic factors �

Egyptian And International Automotive Diesel. Fuels: Specifications Meeting Challenges To Refining Industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zayed, A.M.; EI Shamy, A.A.

2004-01-01

This paper presents a brief summary and comparison of Egyptian automotive diesel fuel to the international one. Recent legislation all over the world, requiring further reduction in sulfur, aromatics, T 90 and T 95 and increasing cetane value of the transportation diesel fuels, presents numerous technical and economic challenges to the refiners. While refiners grapple with these challenges, they will also face pressure from the increased demand of transportation diesel fuel and tighter capital restrictions. Overcome of these challenges makes a fair competition. A comparison of the Egyptian automotive diesel fuel and the international one will be a guide to locally and globally facing these challenges

Automotive systems engineering

CERN Document Server

Winner, Hermann

2013-01-01

This book reflects the shift in design paradigm in automobile industry. It presents future innovations, often referred as  “automotive systems engineering”.  These cause fundamental innovations in the field of driver assistance systems and electro-mobility as well as fundamental changes in the architecture of the vehicles. New driving functionalities can only be realized if the software programs of multiple electronic control units work together correctly. This volume presents the new and innovative methods which are mandatory to master the complexity of the vehicle of the future.

Aero and vibroacoustics of automotive turbochargers

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen-Schaefer, Hung [Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH, Stuttgart (Germany)

2013-02-01

First book about the aeroacoustics of automotive turbochargers. Author of the book ''Rotordynamics of Automotive Turbochargers'', Springer, 2012. Written by an R and D expert in the turbocharger industry. Aero and Vibroacoustics of Automotive Turbochargers is a topic involving aspects from the working fields of thermodynamics of turbomachinery, aerodynamics, rotordynamics, and noise propagation computation. In this broadly interdisciplinary subject, thermodynamics of turbomachinery is used to design the turbocharger and to determine its operating conditions. Aerodynamics is needed to study the compressor flow dynamics and flow instabilities of rotating stall and surge, which can produce growling and whining-type noises. Rotordynamics is necessary to study rotor unbalance and self-excited oil-whirl instabilities, which lead to whistling and constant tone-type noises in rotating floating oil-film type bearings. For the special case of turbochargers using ball bearings, some high-order harmonic and wear noises also manifest in the rotor operating range. Lastly, noise propagation computation, based on Lighthill's analogy, is required to investigate airborne noises produced by turbochargers in passenger vehicles. The content of this book is intended for advanced undergraduates, graduates in mechanical engineering, research scientists and practicing engineers who want to better understand the interactions between these working fields and the resulting impact on the interesting topic of Aero and Vibroacoustics of Automotive Turbochargers.

International Conference on Vehicle and Automotive Engineering

CERN Document Server

Bolló, Betti

2017-01-01

This book presents the proceedings of the first vehicle engineering and vehicle industry conference. It captures the outcome of theoretical and practical studies as well as the future development trends in a wide field of automotive research. The themes of the conference include design, manufacturing, economic and educational topics.

Comparative study of lean practices between Japanese and Malaysia automotive service centres

Science.gov (United States)

Ahmad, Md Fauzi; Ting, Neo Yeong; Nor, Nik Hisyamudin Muhd; Wei, Chan Shiau; Hassan, Mohd Fahrul; Hamid, Nor Aziati Abdul

2017-10-01

Nowadays, lean practices are implemented in many manufacturing and services companies. Lean practices are implemented in order to minimize wastes while maximise the overall performances in an organisation. In service sector, lean practices are importance to ensure value added services can be delivered to customers. However, Malaysia automotive companies cannot compete with Japanese automotive companies in terms of their customer satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to compare the lean practice between Japanese and Malaysia automotive service centres. A total of 80 questionnaires out of 100 distributed questionnaires were responded and this represented as 80% of response rate. The Mann-Whitney test result shows that there were four out of five factors of lean practices have significant differences between Japanese and Malaysia automotive service centres, which are TPM, JIT, Kanban, and 5S. VSM has not significant difference between ownerships. In addition, TPM, JIT, Kanban, VSM and 5S were higher practices in Japanese companies against Malaysia companies. Many Malaysia companies are still in the journey of lean practices and they need recommendation guidance to compete with other long-term established companies. Based on the survey result, the significant differences are identified as weak points of Malaysia companies as an opportunity to improve. Moreover, the significance of this study can help researchers and industry players to improve lean practices in automotive service industry.

Prototyping of automotive components with variable width and depth

Science.gov (United States)

Abeyrathna, B.; Rolfe, B.; Harrasser, J.; Sedlmaier, A.; Ge, Rui; Pan, L.; Weiss, M.

2017-09-01

Roll forming enables the manufacturing of longitudinal components from materials that combine high strength with limited formability and is increasingly used in the automotive industry for the manufacture of structural and crash components. An extension of conventional roll forming is the Flexible Roll Forming (FRF) process where the rolls are no longer fixed in space but are free to move which enables the forming of components with variable cross section over the length of the part. Even though FRF components have high weight saving potential the technology has found only limited application in the automotive industry. A new flexible forming facility has recently been developed that enables proof of concept studies and the production of FRF prototypes before a full FRF line is built; this may lead to a wider uptake of the FRF technology in the automotive industry. In this process, the pre-cut blank is placed between two clamps and the whole set up moves back and forth; a forming roll that is mounted on a servo-controlled platform with six degrees of freedom forms the pre-cut blank to the desired shape. In this study an initial forming concept for the flexible roll forming of an automotive component with variable height is developed using COPRA® FEA RF. This is followed by performing experimental prototyping studies on the new concept forming facility. Using the optical strain measurement system Autogrid Compact, material deformation, part shape and wrinkling severity are analysed for some forming passes and compared with the numerical results. The results show that the numerical model gives a good representation of material behaviour and that with increasing forming severity wrinkling issues need to be overcome in the process.

Numerical Prediction of Elastic Springback in An Automotive Complex Structural Part

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fratini, Livan; Ingarao, Giuseppe; Micari, Fabrizio

2007-01-01

The occurrence of elastic springback phenomena in sheet metal processing operations determines a relevant issue in the automotive industry. The routing and production of 3D complex parts for automotive applications is characterized by springback phenomena affecting the final geometry of the components both after the stamping operations and the trimming ones. In the present paper the full routing of a automotive structural part is considered and the springback phenomena occurring after forming and trimming are investigated through FE analyses utilizing an explicit implicit approach. In particular a sensitivity analysis on process parameter influencing springback occurrence is developed: blank holder force, draw bead penetration and blank shape

Demand forecasting for automotive sector in Malaysia by system dynamics approach

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zulkepli, Jafri; Abidin, Norhaslinda Zainal; Fong, Chan Hwa

2015-01-01

In general, Proton as an automotive company needs to forecast future demand of the car to assist in decision making related to capacity expansion planning. One of the forecasting approaches that based on judgemental or subjective factors is normally used to forecast the demand. As a result, demand could be overstock that eventually will increase the operation cost; or the company will face understock, which resulted losing their customers. Due to automotive industry is very challenging process because of high level of complexity and uncertainty involved in the system, an accurate tool to forecast the future of automotive demand from the modelling perspective is required. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to forecast the demand of automotive Proton car industry in Malaysia using system dynamics approach. Two types of intervention namely optimistic and pessimistic experiments scenarios have been tested to determine the capacity expansion that can prevent the company from overstocking. Finding from this study highlighted that the management needs to expand their production for optimistic scenario, whilst pessimistic give results that would otherwise. Finally, this study could help Proton Edar Sdn. Bhd (PESB) to manage the long-term capacity planning in order to meet the future demand of the Proton cars

Demand forecasting for automotive sector in Malaysia by system dynamics approach

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zulkepli, Jafri, E-mail: zhjafri@uum.edu.my; Abidin, Norhaslinda Zainal, E-mail: nhaslinda@uum.edu.my [School of Quantitative Sciences, Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah (Malaysia); Fong, Chan Hwa, E-mail: hfchan7623@yahoo.com [SWM Environment Sdn. Bhd.Level 17, Menara LGB, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

2015-12-11

In general, Proton as an automotive company needs to forecast future demand of the car to assist in decision making related to capacity expansion planning. One of the forecasting approaches that based on judgemental or subjective factors is normally used to forecast the demand. As a result, demand could be overstock that eventually will increase the operation cost; or the company will face understock, which resulted losing their customers. Due to automotive industry is very challenging process because of high level of complexity and uncertainty involved in the system, an accurate tool to forecast the future of automotive demand from the modelling perspective is required. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to forecast the demand of automotive Proton car industry in Malaysia using system dynamics approach. Two types of intervention namely optimistic and pessimistic experiments scenarios have been tested to determine the capacity expansion that can prevent the company from overstocking. Finding from this study highlighted that the management needs to expand their production for optimistic scenario, whilst pessimistic give results that would otherwise. Finally, this study could help Proton Edar Sdn. Bhd (PESB) to manage the long-term capacity planning in order to meet the future demand of the Proton cars.

Assessment of Safety Standards for Automotive Electronic Control Systems

Science.gov (United States)

2016-06-01

This report summarizes the results of a study that assessed and compared six industry and government safety standards relevant to the safety and reliability of automotive electronic control systems. These standards include ISO 26262 (Road Vehicles - ...

Can formal methods make automotive business sense? A classification of formal methods

OpenAIRE

McElligott, Pat; Mjeda, Anila; Thiel, Steffen

2008-01-01

peer-reviewed Legislative bodies are directing that automotive products comply with stringent safety levels. The liability for the safety of passengers in an automobile has traditionally been quite complex. Other transport sectors are externally regulated, and liability lies with the manufacturer or the transport service provider. The automotive industry is self-regulated and the individual driver carries a significant liability. Software and electronics increasingly provide greater con...

HIL Simulation of Power Electronics and Electric Drives for Automotive Applications

OpenAIRE

Frank Puschmann; Axel Kiffe; Thomas Schulte

2012-01-01

Hardware-in-the-loop simulation is today a standard method for testing electronic equipment in the automotive industry. Since electric drives and power electronic devices are more and more important in automotive applications, these kinds of systems have to be integrated into the hardware-in-the-loop simulation. Power converters and electric drives are used in many different applications in vehicles today (hybrid electric or electric powertrain, electric steering systems, DC-DC converters, et...

CTMCONTROL: Addressing the MC/DC Objective for Safety-Critical Automotive Software

OpenAIRE

Mjeda , Anila; Hinchey , Mike

2013-01-01

International audience; We propose a method tailored to the requirements of safety-critical embedded automotive software, named CTMCONTROL. CTMCONTROL has a par-ticular focus on the specification-based control logic of the system under test and offers improvements in testing coverage metrics over a classic method which is routinely used in industry. The proposed method targets the Modified Condition/ Decision Coverage (MC/DC) objective for automotive safety-critical software. CTMCONTROL is va...

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT STATE AND FUTURE TRENDS OF AUTO PARTS MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN ROMANIA

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

DANIELA MIHAI

2012-10-01

Full Text Available In the economy of any country, the auto parts manufacturing sector holds an important percentage in the national automotive industry. The dynamics of sales within it can vary significantly on short term, depending on the automotive market trend. This is also the case of the current situation in Romania, where the effect of the regressive automotive sales evolution will propagate, most probably, with a significant delay for the companies involved in production and trade of auto parts (for both first-assembly manufacture and car maintenance and repair. The statistical data indicate that even though the total volume of vehicles delivered decreased with 7.4% in 2011 as compared to 2010, the total turnover of the companies in the automotive industry increased with 7.8%. The apparent paradox is explained in the present article through the particularities of the demand for spare parts intended for the rolling stock in operation and through the effective organization of the distribution system.

Future directions for the development of virtual reality within an automotive manufacturer.

Science.gov (United States)

Lawson, Glyn; Salanitri, Davide; Waterfield, Brian

2016-03-01

Virtual Reality (VR) can reduce time and costs, and lead to increases in quality, in the development of a product. Given the pressure on car companies to reduce time-to-market and to continually improve quality, the automotive industry has championed the use of VR across a number of applications, including design, manufacturing, and training. This paper describes interviews with 11 engineers and employees of allied disciplines from an automotive manufacturer about their current physical and virtual properties and processes. The results guided a review of research findings and scientific advances from the academic literature, which formed the basis of recommendations for future developments of VR technologies and applications. These include: develop a greater range of virtual contexts; use multi-sensory simulation; address perceived differences between virtual and real cars; improve motion capture capabilities; implement networked 3D technology; and use VR for market research. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd and The Ergonomics Society. All rights reserved.

A Tale of Two (Philippine) Industries

OpenAIRE

Lee, Peter U

2005-01-01

This paper reviews the histories of the Philippine automotive and electronics industries. The two industries present a very interestingcontrast. The automotive industry has been around longer than the electronics sector in the Philippines. Moreover, it was the target ofmuch government industrial policy in the form of various motor vehicle programs. In contrast, the electronics sector does not seem to have”enjoyed” the same level of government attention at the start. Yet the electronics indust...

Nanotechnology in automotive industry: research strategy and trends for the future-small objects, big impacts.

Science.gov (United States)

Coelho, Margarida C; Torrão, Guilhermina; Emami, Nazanin; Grácio, José

2012-08-01

The goal of this paper is to emphasize and present briefly the nanotechnology science and its potential impact on the automotive industry in order to improve the production of recent models with an optimization of the safety performance and a reduction in the environmental impacts. Nanomaterials can be applied in car bodies as light weight constructions without compromising the stiffness and crashwortiness, which means less material and less fuel consumption. This paper outlines the progress of nanotechnology applications into the safety features of more recent vehicle models and fuel efficiency, but also emphasis the importance of sustainable development on the application of these technologies and life cycle analysis of the considered materials, in order to meet the society trends and customers demands to improve ecology, safety and comfort.

The automotive battery of the future—the role of electronics

Science.gov (United States)

Kellaway, M. J.

The automotive battery is being asked to carry out more challenging duties than ever before. Many of these duties are a result of new types of electrical load. The way in which a battery is operated and managed within a vehicle can be optimized significantly through the use of battery-related electronics with embedded software. Potential benefits include extended life, early warning of deterioration and failure, greater availability and an improved match to the vehicle's requirements. The impact of electronics in other areas shows that there is considerable potential to go much further in this direction with battery systems. There are, however, important system-wide issues to be considered. The battery system must conform to a wide range of standards and practices applicable to automotive electronic systems and embedded software. The automotive industry is itself trying to come to terms with the inherent difficulties involved in developing, qualifying and upgrading complex networks of software-based controllers within the vehicle. The battery system must be compatible with the results of these initiatives. Cost will always be a major influence, but the cost model is different from that familiar to battery producers. This study outlines the main areas where the battery industry must consider a change from being a component to a system supplier, and makes some recommendations for an industry wide approach to smooth the transition.

Supply chain relationships between first and second tier suppliers in South African automotive supply chains: A focus on trust

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Aletta S. Tolmay

2015-10-01

Full Text Available Background: The automotive industry is characterised by a network of long term collaborative agreements between component suppliers and assemblers. For collaboration to be successful trust between the supply chain partners is vital. Although many variables influence the efficiency of collaborative relationships, the human behaviour issues related to culture and trust are often much more difficult to solve. Trust is singled out in this article as a contributor to value in the supply chain relationships. Increased trust leads to more confidence resulting in better collaboration. Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explore collaborative relationships between first and second tier suppliers (component manufacturers in automotive supply chains in South Africa and the role of trust in the relationship value. Method: This quantitative study had been conducted amongst members of the National Association for Automobile Component and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM, who are suppliers to the large automotive assemblers. The research utilised closed ended questions to obtain the perceptions of managers in automotive component manufacture regarding trust and relationship value with their best suppliers. Results: With a linear regression model it was found that there is a high degree of trust in the collaborative relationships between first and second tier suppliers of components in the automotive industry in South Africa. Conclusion: The automotive industry is one of the most successful industries in South Africa. They compete globally and apply best practices, particularly those in supply chain management. The industry is characterised by networks of collaborative relationships on different levels. These relationships seem to be successful as they are based on trust.

Evaluation of filtration and distillation methods for recycling automotive coolant

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Randall, P.M.; Gavaskar, A.R.

1992-01-01

Government regulations and high waste disposal cost of spent automotive coolant have driven the vehicle maintenance industry to explore on-site recycling. The USEPA in cooperation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) evaluated two commercially available technologies that have potential for reducing the volume of spent automotive coolant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the recycled coolant, the pollution prevention potential, and the economic feasibility of the technologies

Brand positioning in the remarket automotive industry / A. Haasbroek

OpenAIRE

Haasbroek, Anneri

2007-01-01

The South African motor industry is currently at the height of competitiveness, whether referring to new or pre-owned vehicles. The sale of new vehicles is at an all time high, and this phenomenon flows through to the remarket sector in the industry. The prices of new vehicles increased by very small margins over the past few years, and in some instances it has decreased. This leads to even more intense competition in the remarket sector, because consumers would rather purch...

A survey of environmental and occupational work practices in the automotive refinishing industry of a developing country: Sonora, Mexico.

Science.gov (United States)

Velázquez, Luis; Bello, Dhimiter; Munguia, Nora; Zavala, Andrea; Marin, Amina; Moure-Eraso, Rafael

2008-01-01

The automotive repair and refinishing industry has been studied intensively in industrialized countries, in part due to use of hazardous chemicals such as isocyanates and solvents, but little is known about industry practices in the developing world. The main objective of this paper was to investigate environmental and occupational work practices of this industry in a developing region, Sonora, Mexico. An integrated survey approach maximizes the opportunity for identifying risks as well as reducing risks. This investigation included detailed workplace visits to 41 body shops and 6 paint suppliers, as well as a survey of shop owners and 24 workers. Information was collected on work practices, level of technology in the shops, use of personal protective equipment, consumption and handling of hazardous chemicals and waste, hazard communication, and environmental consciousness. Most shops had little capital, outdated technology for exposure control, poor working conditions, high potential for exposure to hazardous chemicals, and little awareness of environmental and occupational health and safety. We concluded that work practices in the Sonoran auto refinishing industry are unsustainable and may pose a health risk to workers and the environment.

Supply chain management problems at South African automotive ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

competition in global markets, the introduction of products with shorter life cycles, ... employees in the domestic automotive industry has declined, with 16 000 job .... integrates supply and demand management across companies” (Council for .... across the supply chain so that the enterprise can improve performance by ...

Electrification of the transportation sector: Is there a need for restructuring the automotive parts suppliers?

Science.gov (United States)

Bekaslan, A. Ebru

The future of the transportation sector has significant implications for the mitigation of climate change through reduced GHG emissions as well as achieving energy efficiency and energy independence. Battery-powered, plug-in, and hybrid electric vehicles are widely seen as the greatest source of a solution. This thesis analyzes the historical development and growth of the automotive industry as well as the restructuring toward the next generation technologies in comparison with the U.S. and China to shed light on the question of how a developing country can structure its strategies to be able to upgrade and be competitive over time. Conventional business models can become obsolete. Companies will find it difficult to maintain their market position unless they gain new perspectives on the outlook of the industry as a whole, and take into account the successful business models of tomorrow. The potential for further growth of the Turkish automotive supplier base particularly in the next generation of automotive technologies is therefore highly dependent on policies and strategies at the national level as much as its dependence on the global strategies of the automotive industry's major players. In this sense, the key questions that motivate this study are whether there are foreseeable technological changes and product-segmentation strategies that could significantly enhance the competitiveness of local Turkish suppliers of automotive components. The thesis builds on the theory of innovative enterprise and evolutionary agglomeration to examine the competitive potential of the Konya Auto Part Suppliers' Cluster in Turkey.

Automotive Engines; Automotive Mechanics I: 9043.03.

Science.gov (United States)

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

This automotive engines course studies and demonstrates the theory and principles of operation of the automotive four stroke cycle engine. The student will develop an understanding of the systems necessary to make the engine perform as designed, such as cooling, fuel, ignition and lubrication. This is a one or two quinmester credit course of 45…

GATE Center of Excellence at UAB in Lightweight Materials for Automotive Applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

None

2011-07-31

This report summarizes the accomplishments of the UAB GATE Center of Excellence in Lightweight Materials for Automotive Applications. The first Phase of the UAB DOE GATE center spanned the period 2005-2011. The UAB GATE goals coordinated with the overall goals of DOE's FreedomCAR and Vehicles Technologies initiative and DOE GATE program. The FCVT goals are: (1) Development and validation of advanced materials and manufacturing technologies to significantly reduce automotive vehicle body and chassis weight without compromising other attributes such as safety, performance, recyclability, and cost; (2) To provide a new generation of engineers and scientists with knowledge and skills in advanced automotive technologies. The UAB GATE focused on both the FCVT and GATE goals in the following manner: (1) Train and produce graduates in lightweight automotive materials technologies; (2) Structure the engineering curricula to produce specialists in the automotive area; (3) Leverage automotive related industry in the State of Alabama; (4) Expose minority students to advanced technologies early in their career; (5) Develop innovative virtual classroom capabilities tied to real manufacturing operations; and (6) Integrate synergistic, multi-departmental activities to produce new product and manufacturing technologies for more damage tolerant, cost-effective, and lighter automotive structures.

Recent Trends of Coated Sheet Steels for Automotive use

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moon, Manbeen

2012-01-01

Recent issues in the automotive industries are, improvement of fuel efficiency according to the worldwide CO 2 regulation, passenger safety through enhanced crash worthiness, superior design and cost reduction due to price fluctuation of raw material. To meet these demands, steelmaking companies are developing advanced high strength steel and new process technologies such as hydroforming, TWB(Tailor Welded Blank), hot stamping and so on. In addition, eco-friendly and high corrosion resistant coating technologies are getting more attention to comply with the environmental regulations. In this paper, reviews and prospects of recent coating technologies for automotive use are presented

Assessment of the Automotive Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair Industry

Science.gov (United States)

1981-02-01

The study describes the current status of the Inspection/Maintenance/Repair Industry in the U.S., the impact of technological changes and legislation, and related approaches used in Germany and Sweden. Based on these findings suggestions are provided...

Building Real Modularity Competence in Automotive Design, Development, Production, and After-service

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sanchez, Ron

2013-01-01

the essential principles on which effective implementation of modular strategies depends in any industry. We illustrate these principles with examples of both effective and faulty modularity practice from the automotive and other industries. We then propose a modularity maturity model for assessing the degree...

Nondestructive analysis of automotive paints with spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

Science.gov (United States)

Dong, Yue; Lawman, Samuel; Zheng, Yalin; Williams, Dominic; Zhang, Jinke; Shen, Yao-Chun

2016-05-01

We have demonstrated for the first time, to our knowledge, the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) as an analytical tool for nondestructively characterizing the individual paint layer thickness of multiple layered automotive paints. A graph-based segmentation method was used for automatic analysis of the thickness distribution for the top layers of solid color paints. The thicknesses measured with OCT were in good agreement with the optical microscope and ultrasonic techniques that are the current standard in the automobile industry. Because of its high axial resolution (5.5 μm), the OCT technique was shown to be able to resolve the thickness of individual paint layers down to 11 μm. With its high lateral resolution (12.4 μm), the OCT system was also able to measure the cross-sectional area of the aluminum flakes in a metallic automotive paint. The range of values measured was 300-1850  μm2. In summary, the proposed OCT is a noncontact, high-resolution technique that has the potential for inclusion as part of the quality assurance process in automobile coating.

The AGT 101 advanced automotive gas turbine

Science.gov (United States)

Rackley, R. A.; Kidwell, J. R.

1982-01-01

A development program is described whose goal is the accumulation of the technology base needed by the U.S. automotive industry for the production of automotive gas turbine powertrains. Such gas turbine designs must exhibit reduced fuel consumption, a multi-fuel capability, and low exhaust emissions. The AGT101 powertrain described is a 74.6 kW, regenerated single-shaft gas turbine, operating at a maximum inlet temperature of 1644 K and coupled to a split differential gearbox and automatic overdrive transmission. The engine's single stage centrifugal compressor and single stage radial inflow turbine are mounted on a common shaft, and will operate at a maximum rotor speed of 100,000 rpm. All high temperature components, including the turbine rotor, are ceramic.

Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from industrial sludges in the ambient air conditions: automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Karaca, Gizem; Tasdemir, Yucel

2013-01-01

Removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) existed in automotive industry treatment sludge was examined by considering the effects of temperature, UV, titanium dioxide (TiO2) and diethyl amine (DEA) in different dosages (i.e., 5% and 20%) in this study. Application of TiO2 and DEA to the sludge samples in ambient environment was studied. Ten PAH (Σ10 PAH) compounds were targeted and their average value in the sludge was found to be 4480 ± 1450 ng/g dry matter (DM). Total PAH content of the sludge was reduced by 25% in the ambient air environment. Meteorological conditions, atmospheric deposition, evaporation and sunlight irradiation played an effective role in the variations in PAH levels during the tests carried out in ambient air environment. Moreover, it was observed that when the ring numbers of PAHs increased, their removal rates also increased. Total PAH level did not change with the addition of 5% DEA and only 10% decreased with 5% TiO2 addition. PAH removal ratios were 8% and 32% when DEA (20%) and TiO2 (20%) were added, respectively. It was concluded that DEA was a weak photo-sensitizer yet TiO2 was effective only at 20% dosage.

Advanced High Strength Steel in Auto Industry: an Overview

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

N. Baluch

2014-08-01

Full Text Available The world’s most common alloy, steel, is the material of choice when it comes to making products as diverse as oil rigs to cars and planes to skyscrapers, simply because of its functionality, adaptability, machine-ability and strength. Newly developed grades of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS significantly outperform competing materials for current and future automotive applications. This is a direct result of steel’s performance flexibility, as well as of its many benefits including low cost, weight reduction capability, safety attributes, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and superior recyclability. To improve crash worthiness and fuel economy, the automotive industry is, increasingly, using AHSS. Today, and in the future, automotive manufacturers must reduce the overall weight of their cars. The most cost-efficient way to do this is with AHSS. However, there are several parameters that decide which of the AHSS types to be used; the most important parameters are derived from the geometrical form of the component and the selection of forming and blanking methods. This paper describes the different types of AHSS, highlights their advantages for use in auto metal stampings, and discusses about the new challenges faced by stampers, particularly those serving the automotive industry.

Evaluation of the removal of primer coating in an automotive painting process, economical effects and environmental impact

OpenAIRE

Dalmolin, Carla; Gonçalves, Felipe Freire; Pachekoski, Wagner Mauricio

2013-01-01

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/223611709199Automotive industry worldwide faces strong pressures towards the reduction of environmental impacts caused by the productive process. At the same time, the highly competitive car market causes an increasingly constant search for cost reduction and productivity rising in this industrial segment. Facing this need for reduction on the environmental impact associated with the increase of productivity in the automotive painting processes, this study proposes t...

What has led the automotive industry to offshore engineering services to low cost countries?

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Simplay, Steve; Hansen, Zaza Nadja Lee

2013-01-01

of this area and present a case study of a global multinational premium automotive organization with headquarters in Germany. The findings showed that an outsourced offshore delivery center is multi-dimensional and difficult to manage when faced with such complexity.The case company decided to outsource again...... to a specialized third party, also with headquarters in Germany, to minimize complexity. This paper adds to theoretical knowledge in the field by expanding on existing research in diversified areas and gives practitioners insights into why the premium automotive organization outsourced offshore, what the drivers...

Events as spaces for upgrading : Automotive events in Shanghai

NARCIS (Netherlands)

E. van Tuijl (Erwin); K. Dittrich (Koen)

2015-01-01

textabstractThis study contributes to the literature dealing with upgrading of the Chinese automotive industry by analysing the role of events in the upgrading process. By combining literature on temporary clusters with that of knowledge sourcing and upgrading, we investigate how firms use events

Automotive Service Technician: Apprenticeship Course Outline. Apprenticeship and Industry Training. 0912

Science.gov (United States)

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 2012

2012-01-01

The graduate of the Automotive Service Technician apprenticeship program is a certified journeyperson who will be able to: (1) repair, maintain and overhaul or modify a motor vehicle; (2) comprehend work orders, technical bulletins and estimates, and relate the information to the job at hand; (3) interpret warranty policy in terms of service…

THE FORMING OF MAGNESIUM ALLOY FORGINGS FOR AIRCRAFT AND AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Anna Dziubińska

2016-09-01

Full Text Available The paper presents the theoretical and technological aspects of forming magnesium alloy parts for aircraft and automotive applications. The main applications of magnesium alloys in the aircraft and automotive industries are discussed. In addition, the forging technology for magnesium alloys is generally described, with a particular emphasis on wrought alloys. A brief outline of the state of the art in the forging of magnesium alloys is given based on a survey of the specialist literature and the results of previous research by the authors.

Challenges around automotive shredder residue production and disposal.

Science.gov (United States)

Khodier, Ala; Williams, Karl; Dallison, Neil

2018-03-01

The challenge for the automotive industry is how to ensure they adopt the circular economy when it comes to the disposal of end-of-life vehicles (ELV). According to the European Commission the UK achieved a total reuse and recovery rate of 88%. This is short of the revised ELV directive target of 95% materials recovery, which requires a minimum of 85% of materials to be recycled or reused. A significant component of the recycling process is the production of automotive shredder residue (ASR). This is currently landfilled across Europe. The additional 10% could be met by processing ASR through either waste-to-energy facilities or Post shredder technology (PST) to recover materials. The UK auto and recycling sectors claimed there would need to be a massive investment by their members in both new capacity and new technology for PST to recover additional recycle materials. It has been shown that 50% of the ASR contains valuable recoverable materials which could be used to meet the Directive target. It is expected in the next 5years that technological innovation in car design will change the composition from easily recoverable metal to difficult polymers. This change in composition will impact on the current drive to integrate the European Circular Economy Package. A positive factor is that main driver for using ASR is coming from the metals recycling industry itself. They are looking to develop the infrastructure for energy generation from ASR and subsequent material recovery. This is driven by the economics of the process rather than meeting the Directive targets. The study undertaken has identified potential pathways and barriers for commercial thermal treatment of ASR. The results of ASR characterisation were used to assess commercial plants from around the world. Whilst there were many claiming that processing of ASR was possible none have so far shown both the technological capability and economic justification. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human factors implications of vehicle automation: Current understanding and future directions

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Merat, N.; de Waard, Dick

2014-01-01

Advances in vehicle-based technology are currently progressing at an ever- increasing rate and innovations in this area are no longer restricted to Original Equipment Manufacturers or the automotive industry, with service providers such as Google and a number of research institutes in Europe and

Simulation work of fatigue life prediction of rubber automotive components

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samad, M S A; Ali, Aidy

2010-01-01

The usage of rubbers has always been so important, especially in automotive industries. Rubbers have a hyper elastic behaviour which is the ability to withstand very large strain without failure. The normal applications for rubbers are used for shock absorption, sound isolation and mounting. In this study, the predictions of fatigue life of an engine mount of rubber automotive components were presented. The finite element analysis was performed to predict the critical part and the strain output were incorporated into fatigue model for prediction. The predicted result shows agreement in term of failure location of rubber mount.

USE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY PRE-TREATMENT IN AUTOMOTIVE PAINTING LINE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alberto Nei Carvalho Costa

2012-09-01

Full Text Available The current safety requirements, environmental impacts and performance have been ledding the automotive industry to search for new alternatives, not just for new car bodies materials, also for new sheet surface treatments as well, used in the painting process in order to fit simultaneous, environmental requirements and corrosion resistance maintenance, that are the key feature guarantees offered by automakers and are also vital to the durability of the vehicle. This fact is of great importance considering that, besides the various types of steels and their metalic coatings, another factor that directly influences the corrosion resistance is the painting system used. Within this context, the GMB, in partnership with CSN, has been performing several works by adding the knowledge of the supplier to automotive technology. An example of this partnership we have the present study, which aimed to, comparatively, evaluate the corrosion resistance of two systems of painted galvanized steel, the first one with pre-treatment based on a traditional phosphate, and the another one based on a nano-ceramic film. In this study, was found out that materials with pre-treatment based on results of nanotechnology showed similar corrosion resistance comparing the phosphatized materials in a traditional way.

Towards industry strength mapping of AUTOSAR automotive functionality on multicore architectures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Avasalcai, Cosmin Florin; Budhrani, Dhanesh; Pop, Paul

2017-01-01

The automotive electronic architectures have moved from federated architectures, where one function is implemented in one ECU (Electronic Control Unit), to distributed architectures, consisting of several multicore ECUs. In addition, multicore ECUs are being adopted because of better performance,...... engineer in the mapping task. We have successfully evaluated AUTOMAP on several realistic use cases from Volvo Trucks....

The car manufacturer (CM) and third party logistics provider (TPLP) relationship in the outbound delivery channel: A qualitative study of the Malaysian automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Abdul Rahman, Nor Aida

2012-01-01

This thesis was submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and awarded by Brunel University. This research studies the relationship between car manufacturers (CM) and third party logistics providers (TPLP), also known as the logistics partnership, in the outbound delivery channel in the Malaysian automotive industry. It focuses specifically on the dyad perspective, and demonstrates that several critical success factors are required for a successful relationship between these two part...

Economic production and processing of agricultural fibre plants for high quality applications in automotive, building and furniture industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pecenka, R.; Furll, C.; Gusovius, H.J. [Leibniz Inst. for Agricultural Engineering, Potsdam (Germany)

2010-07-01

The demand for high-quality fibres and shives from hemp and flax as an alternative raw material for the automotive and building industry is increasing. Fibres are used primarily for composite reinforcement instead of synthetic fibres. Shives are used for animal bedding, but processing trials in wood industry for the production of low weight particle boards from shives are also very promising. Fibre producers require experience in cultivation and harvesting as well as modern processing technologies in order to supply flax fibres or shives at competitive prices under the changing conditions of international raw material markets. A complete processing line has been developed, installed and tested at the Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering (ATB) to study all the processing stages of fibre production. The new ATB line can produce high quality fibres and shives from retted and unretted hemp, flax and oilseed flax straw without technical changes of the machine line. The ATB pilot plant has been operated by a cooperation of farmers since 2008. Experience from industrial operation has been used to develop a modern fibre processing line with a throughput of up to 5 t per h hemp straw in only one short line.

Automotive sensors

Science.gov (United States)

Marek, Jiri; Illing, Matthias

2003-01-01

Sensors are an essential component of most electronic systems in the car. They deliver input parameters for comfort features, engine and emission control as well as for the active and passive safety systems. New technologies such as silicon micromachining play an important role for the introduction of these sensors in all vehicle classes. The importance and use of these sensor technologies in today"s automotive applications will be shown in this article. Finally an outlook on important current developments and new functions in the car will be given.

Quench and partitioning steel: a new AHSS concept for automotive anti-intrusion applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

De Cooman, B.C. [Graduate Inst. for Ferrous Technology, Pohang Univ. of Science and Technology, Pohang (Korea); Speer, J.G. [Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Centre, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)

2006-09-15

A new type of high strength, high toughness, martensitic steel, based on a newly proposed quench and partitioning (Q and P) process, is presented. This high strength martensitic grade is produced by the controlled low temperature partitioning of carbon from as-quenched martensite laths to retained inter-lath austenite under conditions where both low temperature transition carbide formation and cementite precipitation are suppressed. The contribution focuses on both the current understanding of the fundamental processes involved and includes a discussion of the technical feasibility of large-scale industrial production of these steels as sheet products. The Q and P process, which is carried out on steels with a lean composition, should be implemented easily on some current industrial continuous annealing and galvanizing lines. In addition, martensitic Q and P sheet steel is characterized by very favourable combinations of strength, ductility and toughness, which are particularly relevant for high strength anti-intrusion automotive parts. (orig.)

The organization of the automotive industry in an international context: a cost functions frontiers approach; L'organisation de la production automobile dans un contexte international: une approche par les fonctions frontieres de cout

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pompeigne, J

2003-07-15

The international automotive industry is under pinned by a dual recurrent movement of concentration and internationalization of the production. Its recent scale was the consequence of a set of strategies developed by the major auto-makers to cope with two exogenous phenomenon affecting the automotive industry. On one hand, we are talking about the saturation of the traditional automotive markets (North America, Western Europe and Japan). On the other hand, the increasing severity of the major regulations concerning the industry, notably the ones about environmental protection, is involved. The first part of the dissertation is first devoted to underline these two exogenous phenomenon, then the major strategies adopted by the auto-makers to face them are defined. Finally, the analysis turns on the resulting increase of the concentration and of the internationalization of the production. We focus on this last point and on the problem of international location of industrial activities faced by the auto-makers because of it. The second part is about providing an empirical framework to help solving these problems through parametric stochastic cost production frontiers and cost-efficiency levels. For this purpose, the analytical foundations of both of these notions are introduced, then several empirical estimation methods of a cost frontier are exposed. Finally, these methods are used to treat two real examples illustrating some of the problems about the international location of the productive activities of a major auto-maker. The point for him is to choose the most favorable configuration of its industrial system, by comparing the competing solutions through their respective cost-efficiency levels. The benefit of using additional data analysis methods to draw these comparisons is shown. (author)

China’s Impact on the U.S. Automotive Industry

Science.gov (United States)

2006-04-04

table also illustrates rapid gains in total sales by Honda , and a growing position after a late start for Toyota .17 Among the U.S. Big Three... Nissan and Mazda), while another developed outside the system ( Honda ). Korea today is left with just one locally owned and controlled motor vehicle...units to 2.2 million in 2004. India, viewed by some sources as being comparable to China in terms of its potential as both an automotive market and a

Non-Destructive Thermography Analysis of Impact Damage on Large-Scale CFRP Automotive Parts

Science.gov (United States)

Maier, Alexander; Schmidt, Roland; Oswald-Tranta, Beate; Schledjewski, Ralf

2014-01-01

Laminated composites are increasingly used in aeronautics and the wind energy industry, as well as in the automotive industry. In these applications, the construction and processing need to fulfill the highest requirements regarding weight and mechanical properties. Environmental issues, like fuel consumption and CO2-footprint, set new challenges in producing lightweight parts that meet the highly monitored standards for these branches. In the automotive industry, one main aspect of construction is the impact behavior of structural parts. To verify the quality of parts made from composite materials with little effort, cost and time, non-destructive test methods are increasingly used. A highly recommended non-destructive testing method is thermography analysis. In this work, a prototype for a car’s base plate was produced by using vacuum infusion. For research work, testing specimens were produced with the same multi-layer build up as the prototypes. These specimens were charged with defined loads in impact tests to simulate the effect of stone chips. Afterwards, the impacted specimens were investigated with thermography analysis. The research results in that work will help to understand the possible fields of application and the usage of thermography analysis as the first quick and economic failure detection method for automotive parts. PMID:28788464

Non-Destructive Thermography Analysis of Impact Damage on Large-Scale CFRP Automotive Parts

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Alexander Maier

2014-01-01

Full Text Available Laminated composites are increasingly used in aeronautics and the wind energy industry, as well as in the automotive industry. In these applications, the construction and processing need to fulfill the highest requirements regarding weight and mechanical properties. Environmental issues, like fuel consumption and CO2-footprint, set new challenges in producing lightweight parts that meet the highly monitored standards for these branches. In the automotive industry, one main aspect of construction is the impact behavior of structural parts. To verify the quality of parts made from composite materials with little effort, cost and time, non-destructive test methods are increasingly used. A highly recommended non-destructive testing method is thermography analysis. In this work, a prototype for a car’s base plate was produced by using vacuum infusion. For research work, testing specimens were produced with the same multi-layer build up as the prototypes. These specimens were charged with defined loads in impact tests to simulate the effect of stone chips. Afterwards, the impacted specimens were investigated with thermography analysis. The research results in that work will help to understand the possible fields of application and the usage of thermography analysis as the first quick and economic failure detection method for automotive parts.

Non-Destructive Thermography Analysis of Impact Damage on Large-Scale CFRP Automotive Parts.

Science.gov (United States)

Maier, Alexander; Schmidt, Roland; Oswald-Tranta, Beate; Schledjewski, Ralf

2014-01-14

Laminated composites are increasingly used in aeronautics and the wind energy industry, as well as in the automotive industry. In these applications, the construction and processing need to fulfill the highest requirements regarding weight and mechanical properties. Environmental issues, like fuel consumption and CO₂-footprint, set new challenges in producing lightweight parts that meet the highly monitored standards for these branches. In the automotive industry, one main aspect of construction is the impact behavior of structural parts. To verify the quality of parts made from composite materials with little effort, cost and time, non-destructive test methods are increasingly used. A highly recommended non-destructive testing method is thermography analysis. In this work, a prototype for a car's base plate was produced by using vacuum infusion. For research work, testing specimens were produced with the same multi-layer build up as the prototypes. These specimens were charged with defined loads in impact tests to simulate the effect of stone chips. Afterwards, the impacted specimens were investigated with thermography analysis. The research results in that work will help to understand the possible fields of application and the usage of thermography analysis as the first quick and economic failure detection method for automotive parts.

Preliminary Results from Duplex Procedure for Obtain of Fe Based Materials for Automotive Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Crăciun, R. C.; Stanciu, S.; Geantă, V.; Voiculescu, I.; Manole, V.; Gârneţ, I. A.; Alexandru, A.; Cimpoesu, N.; Săndulache, F.

2017-06-01

Abstract Iron based materials still represent a high percentage from metallic materials used in industry, in general, and in automotive industry, in particular. In this case we used a duplex process in order to obtain the FeMnSiAl experimental alloy for a more efficient use of various units. In the first stage iron, manganese, silicon and aluminum were melted and mixed together using arc melting technology and for the second stage the alloy was re-melt for homogeneity in an induction furnace. Chemical composition, after each melting step, was analyzed using EDS Bruker detector for various areas and microstructural characterization using SEM, VegaTescan LMH II with SE detector, equipment. This alloy is proposed as a metallic approach of mechanical dumpers used in automotive industry for low and medium impact contacts.

The Czechoslovak automotive industry and the launch of a new model. The Škoda factory in Mladá Boleslav, in the 1970s and 1980s

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Vilímek, Tomáš; Fava, Valentina

2017-01-01

Roč. 38, č. 1 (2017), s. 53-69 ISSN 0022-5266 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA15-14271S Institutional support: RVO:68378114 Keywords : Czechoslovak automotive industry * socialist management * planned economy Subject RIV: AB - History OBOR OECD: History ( history of science and technology to be 6.3, history of specific sciences to be under the respective headings)

Risks and factors influencing raw material availability and consequences for the development of future automotive power trains; Risiken und Faktoren der Rohstoffverfuegbarkeit und deren Folgen fuer die Entwicklung zukuenftiger Automobilantriebe

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gagliardi, David; Finken, Thomas [Ricardo Deutschland GmbH, Schwaebisch Gmuend (Germany)

2012-11-01

This paper aims to explore key risks and extraneous factors influencing raw material availability and related consequences for the realization of future automotive power trains. Important raw materials for the electro mobility are presented followed by an evaluation of their future supply risk. A review of the current situation and a summary of expectations for future technological developments are presented. The current situation of political factors, access to resources and other important factors are then discussed, highlighting some of the major risks and their influence on up-take rates of alternative power train technologies. Specifically the specific relationships between demand and supply side for specific rare earth elements and their effects on price development is investigated and suggests how these factors might influence existing relationships within the automotive industry. The paper concludes with suggestions for alternative strategies for specific groups within the automotive value chain to mitigate those risks. (orig.)

Automotive mechatronics operational and practical issues

CERN Document Server

Fijalkowski, B T

2011-01-01

This book presents operational and practical issues of automotive mechatronics with special emphasis on the heterogeneous automotive vehicle systems approach, and is intended as a graduate text as well as a reference for scientists and engineers involved in the design of automotive mechatronic control systems. As the complexity of automotive vehicles increases, so does the dearth of high competence, multi-disciplined automotive scientists and engineers. This book provides a discussion into the type of mechatronic control systems found in modern vehicles and the skills required by automotive scientists and engineers working in this environment. Divided into two volumes and five parts, Automotive Mechatronics aims at improving automotive mechatronics education and emphasises the training of students' experimental hands-on abilities, stimulating and promoting experience among high education institutes and produce more automotive mechatronics and automation engineers. The main subject that are treated are: VOLUME...

AHAA - agile, hybrid assessment method for automotive, safety critical SMEs

OpenAIRE

Mc Caffery, Fergal; Pikkarainen, Minna; Richardson, Ita

2008-01-01

Peer-reviewed The need for software is increasingly growing in the automotive industry. Software development projects are, however, often troubled by time and budget overruns, resulting in systems that do not fulfill customer requirements. Both research and industry lack strategies to combine reducing the long software development lifecycles (as required by time-to-market demands) with increasing the quality of the software developed. Software process improvement (SPI) provides the first s...

AIMS AND OBJECTS OF STATE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CONTROL AND WAYS OF IMPROVEMENT OF ITS EFFECTIVENESS: RELEVANCE OF CREATION AND INTRODUCTION OF NEW ANTI-CRISIS PROGRAMS DURING THE CRISIS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Artem N. Bulavin

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Instability of the market economy, strengthened competition and the global economic crisis which began in 2008 caused aggravation of the situation in the domestic automotive industry. The measures which are being realized by government should be reconsidered and actualized taking into account changed conditions. Also its effectiveness should be improved.

Automotive Lithium-ion Cell Manufacturing: Regional Cost Structures and Supply Chain Considerations

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chung, Donald [Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center, Godlen, CO (United States); Elgqvist, Emma [Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center, Godlen, CO (United States); Santhanagopalan, Shriram [Clean Energy Manufacturing Analysis Center, Godlen, CO (United States)

2016-04-08

Manufacturing capacity for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)--which power many consumer electronics and are increasingly used to power electric vehicles--is heavily concentrated in east Asia. Currently, China, Japan, and Korea collectively host 88% of all LIB cell and 79% of automotive LIB cell manufacturing capacity. Mature supply chains and strong cumulative production experience suggest that most LIB cell production will remain concentrated in Asia. However, other regions--including North America--could be competitive in the growing automotive LIB cell market under certain conditions. To illuminate the factors that drive regional competitiveness in automotive LIB cell production, this study models cell manufacturing cost and minimum sustainable price, and examines development of LIB supply chains and current LIB market conditions. Modeled costs are for large format, 20-Ah stacked pouch cells with lithium-nickel-manganese-cobalt-oxide (NMC) cathodes and graphite anodes suitable for automotive application. Production volume is assumed to be at commercial scale, 600 MWh per year.

The future of diode pumped solid state lasers and their applicability to the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Solarz, R.; Beach, R.; Hackel, L.

1994-03-01

The largest commercial application of high power lasers is for cutting and welding. Their ability to increase productivity by introducing processing flexibility and integrated automation into the fabrication process is well demonstrated. This paper addresses the potential importance of recent developments in laser technology to further impact their use within the automotive industry. The laser technology we will concentrate upon is diode laser technology and diode-pumped solid-state laser technology. We will review present device performance and cost and make projections for the future in these areas. Semiconductor laser arrays have matured dramatically over the last several years. They are lasers of unparalleled efficiency (greater than 50%), reliability (greater than 10,000 hours of continuous operation), and offer the potential of dramatic cost reductions (less than a dollar per watt). They can be used directly in many applications or can be used to pump solid-state lasers. When used as solid-state laser pump arrays, they simultaneously improve overall laser efficiency, reduce size, and improve reliability.

Field study of age-differentiated strain for assembly line workers in the automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Börner, Kerstin; Scherf, Christian; Leitner-Mai, Bianca; Spanner-Ulmer, Birgit

2012-01-01

A field study in an automotive supply industry company was conducted to explore age-differentiated strain of assembly line workers. Subjective and objective data from 23 female workers aged between 27 and 57 years were collected at the workplace belt buckle assembly during morning shifts. Subjects with medication or chronic diseases affecting heart rate and breath rate were excluded. For subjective data generation different questionnaires were used. Before the Work Ability Index and the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire were completed by the subjects. Short questionnaires (strain-ratings, NASA-TLX) directly at begin and end of the work were used for obtaining shift-related data. During the whole shift (6 a.m. - 2.45 p.m.) bodily functions were logged with a wireless chest strap. In addition, the motion of the hand-arm-system was recorded for 30 times, 3 minutes each after a fixed time-schedule. First results show that younger subjects need significant less time for assembly (mean = 14.940 s) compared to older subjects (mean = 17.040 s; t(472.026) = -9.278 , p < 0.01).

THE ROLE OF LOGISTICS IN ENTERPRISE RESTRUCTURING IN THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. A. Sabadash

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Formation of a market management mechanism in the Russian economy objectively requires strengthening the role of logistics in general and in the restructuring of the automotive industry in Russia in particular. In the article the main reasons that caused such an interest in the analysis is the automotive industry.Methodology. The methodological basis of this article are comparative, economic and statistical analysis methods.The purpose of this article is to reveal the key theoretical and practical issues of the role of logistics in the restructuring of the automotive industry companies, taking into account global transformations occurring in the world economy. This has allowed to specify the main issues associated with the use of logistics in the restructuring of the automotive industry in Russia.Conclusions. The following conclusions were obtained: research in the field of restructuring of the automotive industry enterprises are considered in the most general terms as "any changes to the strategic nature of the enterprise"; The second approach – the authors in their definitions focus on the restructuring of its individual aspects – goals, directions and forms of restructuring.

Improving the effectiveness of FMEA analysis in automotive – a case study

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ványi Gábor

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Many industries, for example automotive, have well defined product development process definitions and risk evaluation methods. The FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis is a first line risk analysis method in design, which has been implemented in development and production since decades. Although the first applications were focusing on mechanical and electrical design and functionalities, today, software components are implemented in many modern vehicle systems. However, standards or industry specific associations do not specify any “best practice” how to design the interactions of multiple entities in one model. This case study focuses on modelling interconnections and on the improvement of the FMEA modelling process in the automotive. Selecting and grouping software components for the analysis is discussed, but software architect design patterns are excluded from the study.

The organization of the automotive industry in an international context: a cost functions frontiers approach; L'organisation de la production automobile dans un contexte international: une approche par les fonctions frontieres de cout

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Pompeigne, J

2003-07-15

The international automotive industry is under pinned by a dual recurrent movement of concentration and internationalization of the production. Its recent scale was the consequence of a set of strategies developed by the major auto-makers to cope with two exogenous phenomenon affecting the automotive industry. On one hand, we are talking about the saturation of the traditional automotive markets (North America, Western Europe and Japan). On the other hand, the increasing severity of the major regulations concerning the industry, notably the ones about environmental protection, is involved. The first part of the dissertation is first devoted to underline these two exogenous phenomenon, then the major strategies adopted by the auto-makers to face them are defined. Finally, the analysis turns on the resulting increase of the concentration and of the internationalization of the production. We focus on this last point and on the problem of international location of industrial activities faced by the auto-makers because of it. The second part is about providing an empirical framework to help solving these problems through parametric stochastic cost production frontiers and cost-efficiency levels. For this purpose, the analytical foundations of both of these notions are introduced, then several empirical estimation methods of a cost frontier are exposed. Finally, these methods are used to treat two real examples illustrating some of the problems about the international location of the productive activities of a major auto-maker. The point for him is to choose the most favorable configuration of its industrial system, by comparing the competing solutions through their respective cost-efficiency levels. The benefit of using additional data analysis methods to draw these comparisons is shown. (author)

Characterization of three-way automotive catalysts

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kenik, E.A.; More, K.L. [Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); LaBarge, W. [Delphi Automotive Systems, Flint, MI (United States)] [and others

1997-04-01

The CRADA between Delphi Automotive Systems (Delphi; formerly General Motors - AC Delco, Systems) and Lockheed Martin Energy Research (LMER) on automotive catalysts was completed at the end of FY96, after a ten month, no-cost extension. The CRADA was aimed at improved performance and lifetime of noble metal based three-way-catalysts (TWC), which are the primary catalytic system for automotive emission control systems. While these TWC can meet the currently required emission standards, higher than optimum noble metal loadings are often required to meet lifetime requirements. In addition, more stringent emission standards will be imposed in the near future, demanding improved performance and service life from these catalysts. Understanding the changes of TWC conversion efficiency with ageing is a critical need in improving these catalysts. Initially in a fresh catalyst, the active material is often distributed on a very fine scale, approaching single atoms or small atomic clusters. As such, a wide range of analytical techniques have been employed to provide high spatial resolution characterization of the evolving state of the catalytic material.

Directions for computational mechanics in automotive crashworthiness

Science.gov (United States)

Bennett, James A.; Khalil, T. B.

1993-01-01

The automotive industry has used computational methods for crashworthiness since the early 1970's. These methods have ranged from simple lumped parameter models to full finite element models. The emergence of the full finite element models in the mid 1980's has significantly altered the research direction. However, there remains a need for both simple, rapid modeling methods and complex detailed methods. Some directions for continuing research are discussed.

Technological measures to improve automotive product quality

OpenAIRE

Gladkov, V.; Kruglov, S.

2010-01-01

The paper examines the basic technological measures aimed at improving product quality in automotive industry. While paying due attention to solving organizational and technological problems, including the development of certification systems for production processes, it is also necessary to improve the technical standards of specific technologies, equipment and materials as they largely determine product quality. Special emphasis is given to the importance of improving the production of auto...

Characterization of process air emissions in automotive production plants.

Science.gov (United States)

D'Arcy, J B; Dasch, J M; Gundrum, A B; Rivera, J L; Johnson, J H; Carlson, D H; Sutherland, J W

2016-01-01

During manufacturing, particles produced from industrial processes become airborne. These airborne emissions represent a challenge from an industrial hygiene and environmental standpoint. A study was undertaken to characterize the particles associated with a variety of manufacturing processes found in the auto industry. Air particulates were collected in five automotive plants covering ten manufacturing processes in the areas of casting, machining, heat treatment and assembly. Collection procedures provided information on air concentration, size distribution, and chemical composition of the airborne particulate matter for each process and insight into the physical and chemical processes that created those particles.

Hybrid-electric propulsion for automotive and aviation applications

OpenAIRE

Friedrich, C; Robertson, Paul Andrew

2014-01-01

In parallel with the automotive industry, hybrid-electric propulsion is becoming a viable alternative propulsion technology for the aviation sector and reveals potential advantages including fuel savings, lower pollution, and reduced noise emission. Hybrid-electric propulsion systems can take advantage of the synergy between two technologies by utilizing both internal combustion engines and electric motors together, each operating at their respective optimum conditions...

Thermoelectric automotive waste heat energy recovery using maximum power point tracking

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yu Chuang; Chau, K.T.

2009-01-01

This paper proposes and implements a thermoelectric waste heat energy recovery system for internal combustion engine automobiles, including gasoline vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. The key is to directly convert the heat energy from automotive waste heat to electrical energy using a thermoelectric generator, which is then regulated by a DC-DC Cuk converter to charge a battery using maximum power point tracking. Hence, the electrical power stored in the battery can be maximized. Both analysis and experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system can work well under different working conditions, and is promising for automotive industry.

An automotive supply chain model for a demand-driven environment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Intaher M. Ambe

2011-11-01

Full Text Available The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the development of a supply chain model for the automotive industry that would respond to changing consumer demand. Now more than ever, businesses need to improve the efficiency of their supply chains in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The principles of lean manufacturing and just-intime (JIT inventory control that were renowned for helping companies like Toyota, Dell and Walmart to rise to the top of their respective industries are no longer adequate. Leading companies are applying new technologies and sophisticated analytics to make their supply chains more responsive to customer demand. This challenge is driven by fierce competition, fluctuating market demand and rising customer requirements that have led to customers becoming more demanding with increased preferences. The article is based on theoretical reviews and suggests guidelines for the implementation of an automotive supply chain model for a demand-driven environment.

Advanced Automotive Technologies annual report to Congress, fiscal year 1996

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

NONE

1998-01-01

This annual report serves to inform the United States Congress on the progress for fiscal year 1996 of programs under the Department of Energy's Office of Advanced Automotive Technologies (OAAT). This document complies with the legislative requirement to report on the implementation of Title III of the Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978. Also reported are related activities performed under subsequent relevant legislation without specific reporting requirements. Furthermore, this report serves as a vital means of communication from the Department to all public and private sector participants. Specific requirements that are addressed in this report are: Discussion of how each research and development contract, grant, or project funded under the authority of this Act satisfies the requirements of each subsection; Current comprehensive program definition for implementing Title III; Evaluation of the state of automotive propulsion system research and development in the United States; Number and amount of contracts and grants awarded under Title III; Analysis of the progress made in developing advanced automotive propulsion system technology; and Suggestions for improvements in automotive propulsion system research and development, including recommendations for legislation

Strategies of performance self-monitoring in automotive production.

Science.gov (United States)

Faye, Hélène; Falzon, Pierre

2009-09-01

Production in the automotive industry, based on assembly line work, is now characterized by lean manufacturing and customization. This results in greater flexibility and increased quality demands, including worker performance self-monitoring. The objectives of this study are to refine the concept of performance self-monitoring and to characterize the strategies developed by operators to achieve it. Data were collected based on the method of individual auto-confrontation, consisting of two steps: eleven assembly-line operators of a French automotive company were individually observed and video-taped while they were working; an interview then allowed each operator to discuss his/her activity based on the video-tape. This study expands the concept of performance self-monitoring by highlighting three types of strategies directly oriented toward quality: prevention, feedback control and control action strategies.

Two-stage actuation system using DC motors and piezoelectric actuators for controllable industrial and automotive brakes and clutches

Science.gov (United States)

Neelakantan, Vijay A.; Washington, Gregory N.; Bucknor, Norman K.

2005-05-01

High bandwidth actuation systems that are capable of simultaneously producing relatively large forces and displacements are required for use in automobiles and other industrial applications. Conventional hydraulic actuation mechanisms used in automotive brakes and clutches are complex, inefficient and have poor control robustness. These lead to reduced fuel economy, controllability issues and other disadvantages. This paper involves the design, development, testing and control of a two-stage hybrid actuation mechanism by combining classical actuators like DC motors and advanced smart material actuators like piezoelectric actuators. The paper also discusses the development of a robust control methodology using the Internal Model Control (IMC) principle and emphasizes the robustness property of this control methodology by comparing and studying simulation and experimental results.

LINKING LOCAL AND GLOBAL: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR SMES – THE CASE OF THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IN MEXICO

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lalita Kraus

2014-05-01

Full Text Available The focus of the article is on global-local interrelation in a globally integrated system of production, analysed through the Global Value Chain (GVC framework. The unit of analysis is the small and medium enterprise (SME as relevant unit when dealing with poverty reduction and distribution. The GVC allows to determine how the SMEs insert themselves in this system and what are the factors that cause a potential suboptimal insertion. The picture is further complicated by specific international agreements (for exemple, TRIPs and TRIMs and market liberalization. The case of the automotive industry in Mexico exemplifies these risks and helps to better identify the potential role of governmental policies if a better insertion want to be guaranteed and a more equal development promoted.

Ecosilient Index to assess the greenness and resilience of the upstream automotive supply chain

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Azevedo, S.G.; Govindan, Kannan; Carvalho, H.

2013-01-01

This paper suggests an Ecosilient Index to assess the greenness and resilience of automotive companies and the corresponding supply chain. An integrated assessment model is proposed based on green and resilient practices. The Delphi technique is used to obtain the weights of the supply chain para...... sector; this constitutes an initial effort to close the gap between theory and practice. Future research is needed to investigate the index applicability in different industry contexts........ to the greenness of this industry is to reduce energy consumption. The significant contributions to resilience are sourcing strategies that allow switching of suppliers, flexible supply base/flexible sourcing and creating total supply chain visibility. The proposed index was developed in the context of automotive...

Proceedings on the Workshops on Technological Change in the U.S. Automobile Industry : October 1977 Through April 1978, and the Symposium on Technology, Government and the Automotive Future, October 19-20, 1978

Science.gov (United States)

1979-07-01

The purpose of the meetings was to explore the implications of technological change in the U.S. automotive industry in support of improved policy formulation to meet emerging national needs. Five workshops were conducted in the following areas: (1) M...

IR-camera methods for automotive brake system studies

Science.gov (United States)

Dinwiddie, Ralph B.; Lee, Kwangjin

1998-03-01

Automotive brake systems are energy conversion devices that convert kinetic energy into heat energy. Several mechanisms, mostly related to noise and vibration problems, can occur during brake operation and are often related to non-uniform temperature distribution on the brake disk. These problems are of significant cost to the industry and are a quality concern to automotive companies and brake system vendors. One such problem is thermo-elastic instabilities in brake system. During the occurrence of these instabilities several localized hot spots will form around the circumferential direction of the brake disk. The temperature distribution and the time dependence of these hot spots, a critical factor in analyzing this problem and in developing a fundamental understanding of this phenomenon, were recorded. Other modes of non-uniform temperature distributions which include hot banding and extreme localized heating were also observed. All of these modes of non-uniform temperature distributions were observed on automotive brake systems using a high speed IR camera operating in snap-shot mode. The camera was synchronized with the rotation of the brake disk so that the time evolution of hot regions could be studied. This paper discusses the experimental approach in detail.

Situation of the automotive industry in Spain before the post-oil era; Situacion de la industria de automocion en Espana ante la era del Post-petroleo

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Garcia Sanz, F. J.

2010-07-01

The automotive sector is one of the keystone in the Spanish Economy: has a share of near the 5% in the GDP and is, together with the construction and the tourism, one of the main sectors, representing the fourth of the spanish exports. The total employment, both direct and indirect, is nearly nine per cent of the active workforce. Completely integrated, industrially and commercially, in the EU, this sector is the third manufacturer country in the E.U. and ranks the eight worldwide, being the first in the European ranking in the industrial and commercial vehicles. (Author)

Polymer matrix nanocomposites for automotive structural components

Science.gov (United States)

Naskar, Amit K.; Keum, Jong K.; Boeman, Raymond G.

2016-12-01

Over the past several decades, the automotive industry has expended significant effort to develop lightweight parts from new easy-to-process polymeric nanocomposites. These materials have been particularly attractive because they can increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, attempts to reinforce soft matrices by nanoscale reinforcing agents at commercially deployable scales have been only sporadically successful to date. This situation is due primarily to the lack of fundamental understanding of how multiscale interfacial interactions and the resultant structures affect the properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this Perspective, we critically evaluate the state of the art in the field and propose a possible path that may help to overcome these barriers. Only once we achieve a deeper understanding of the structure-properties relationship of polymer matrix nanocomposites will we be able to develop novel structural nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties for automotive applications.

Ionomer equivalent weight structuring in the cathode catalyst layer of automotive fuel cells: Effect on performance, current density distribution and electrochemical impedance spectra

Science.gov (United States)

Herden, Susanne; Hirschfeld, Julian A.; Lohri, Cyrill; Perchthaler, Markus; Haase, Stefan

2017-10-01

To improve the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells, membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) with segmented cathode electrodes have been manufactured. Electrodes with a higher and lower ionomer equivalent weight (EW) were used and analyzed using current density and temperature distribution, polarization curve, temperature sweep and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. These were performed using automotive metallic bipolar plates and operating conditions. Measurement data were used to manufacture an optimized segmented cathode electrode. We were able to show that our results are transferable from a small scale hardware to automotive application and that an ionomer EW segmentation of the cathode leads to performance improvement in a broad spectrum of operating conditions. Furthermore, we confirmed our results by using in-situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

FISITA 2012 World Automotive Congress

CERN Document Server

2013-01-01

Proceedings of the FISITA 2012 World Automotive Congress are selected from nearly 2,000 papers submitted to the 34th FISITA World Automotive Congress, which is held by Society of Automotive Engineers of China (SAE-China ) and the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA). This proceedings focus on solutions for sustainable mobility in all areas of passenger car, truck and bus transportation. Volume 8: Vehicle Design and Testing (II) focuses on: •Automotive Reliability Technology •Lightweight Design Technology •Design for Recycling •Dynamic Modeling •Simulation and Experimental Validation •Virtual Design, Testing and Validation •Testing of Components, Systems and Full Vehicle Above all researchers, professional engineers and graduates in fields of automotive engineering, mechanical engineering and electronic engineering will benefit from this book.   SAE-China is a national academic organization composed of enterprises and professionals who focus on research, design a...

Environmental sustainability: plastic's evolving role in the automotive life cycle

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jekel, L.; Tam, E.K.L.

2002-01-01

One method of assessing the sustainability of manufactured products involves performing a life cycle analysis for a product and comparing it to alternative ones, or else examining if individual stages of the product can be modified. LCA applications are being used more extensively, especially in the automotive and related industries. Automotive plastics in particular are being scrutinized with much greater care. Plastic components have replaced metal ones in vehicle manufacturing to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and aesthetics. However, at the end of a vehicle's life, recycling rates for plastic are negligible when compared to those of steel. In order to gain the full environmental benefits of using plastic as a vehicle material, plastics must be recycled at the end of a vehicle's life, especially given their increasing use. While a variety of processes have been developed for the recycling of automotive plastics, the challenges of sorting, processing, and finally recycling a heterogeneous mixture of used plastics have yet to be effectively solved. A preliminary life cycle assessment of a plastic automotive fascia demonstrates the usefulness of this eco-balance technique in evaluating potential improvements to manufacturing and end-of-life processes. Improving the manufacturing process may reduce environmental burdens to a larger extent than just recycling the plastic. (author)

Research and investigation of a communication chain on optical fiber with a Fabry-Perot power diode for the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Bacis, Irina Bristena; Vasile, Alexandru; Ionescu, Ciprian; Marghescu, Cristina

2016-12-01

The purpose of this paper is to analyze different power devices - emitters of optical flow, from the point of view of optical coupling, emitted optical powers, optical fiber losses and receiver. The research and characterization of the transmission through a power optical system is done using a computer system specialized for the automotive industry. This system/platform can deliver current pulses that are controlled by a computer through a software (it is possible to set different parameters such as pulse repetition frequency, duty cycle, and current intensity). For the experiments a power Fabry Perot 1035 laser diode operating in pulse with μφ 1055 nm, Ith = 40 mA, and Iop =750 mA was used with a single-mode SFM 128 optical fiber and an EM type optical coupler connected through alignment. Two types of measurements were conducted to demonstrate the usefulness of the experimental structure. In the first case the amplitude of the voltage pulses was measured at the output of an optical detector with receiving diode in a built-in amplifier with a 50 kΩ load resistance. In the second stage measurements were conducted to determine the optical power injected in the optical fiber and received at the reception cell of a power meter. Another parameter of optical coupling that can be measured using the experimental structure is irradiation. This parameter is very important to determine the optimum cutting angle of the fiber for continuity welding.

Current situation and industrialization of Taiwan nanotechnology

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Su, H.-N.; Lee, P.-C.; Tsai, M.-H.; Chien, K.-M.

2007-01-01

Nanotechnology is projected to be a very promising field, and the impact of nanotechnology on society is increasingly significant as the research funding and manufactured goods increase exponentially. A clearer picture of Taiwan's current and future nanotechnology industry is an essential component for future planning. Therefore, this investigation studies the progress of industrializing nanotechnology in Taiwan by surveying 150 companies. Along with understanding Taiwan's current nanotechnology industrialization, this paper also suggests ways to promote Taiwan's nanotechnology. The survey results are summarized and serve as the basis for planning a nanotechnology industrialization strategy

Incumbents' asymmetric responses to environmentally friendly entrants in the automotive industry

OpenAIRE

Diekhof, Josefine; Cantner, Uwe

2017-01-01

In the context of technological change, the influence of innovative entrants on incumbents is considered a major driving force. Using global patent data, we analyze this influence for the case of the transition from combustion engine vehicles towards alternative technology vehicles (ATVs). Entrants play a key role in developing ATV-related patents, whereas automotive incumbents are considered as being less motivated in pursuing this new technology. Our results indicate that entrants' ATV-rela...

Rotordynamics of automotive turbochargers. Linear and nonlinear rotordynamics - Bearing design - Rotor balancing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Nguyen-Schaefer, Hung [Bosch Mahle Turbo Systems GmbH und Co. KG, Stuttgart (Germany)

2012-11-01

Describes the rotordynamics of automotive turbochargers. Requires only a minimum of mathematical background. Written by an R and D expert from industry. This book deals with rotordynamics of automotive turbochargers while encompassing the analysis of the dynamics of rotating machines at very high rotor speeds of 300,000 rpm and above. This interdisciplinary field involves 1. thermodynamics and turbo-matching knowledge to compute working conditions of turbochargers, 2. fluid and bearing dynamics to calculate various operating thrust loads and to design the rotating floating ring bearings (two-oil-film bearings), and 3. tribology to improve the rotor stability and to reduce the bearing friction. Mathematical background in modeling and simulation methods is necessary; however, the prerequisites have been kept to a minimum. The book addresses both practitioners working in the field of rotordynamics of automotive turbochargers and graduate students in mechanical engineering.

Analisis Potensi Kecelakaan Kerja Pada CV. Automotive Workshop Dengan Metode Failure Mode and Effect Analysis

OpenAIRE

Syauqi, Qiqi Azwani; Susanty, Aries

2016-01-01

[Potential Analysis of Work Accidents at CV. Automotive Workshop using Failure Mode and Effect Analysis Method] Nowadays the global automotive industry, especially in developing countries has increased along with the increasing number of internet users and mobile penetration, the GDP rate increase of the developing countries and the growth of middle class-society, which makes the car sales in these countries increased anually. According to Carmudi, Semarang was the second-highest of the car l...

Standardized Curriculum for Automotive Mechanics.

Science.gov (United States)

Mississippi State Dept. of Education, Jackson. Office of Vocational, Technical and Adult Education.

Standardized curricula are provided for two courses for the secondary vocational education program in Mississippi: automotive mechanics I and II. The six units in automotive mechanics I are as follows: orientation and safety; tools, equipment, and manuals; measurement; automotive engines; basic electrical systems; and fuel systems. Automotive…

75 FR 34170 - Plastic Omnium Automotive Exteriors, LLC, Anderson, SC; Plastic Omnium Automotive Exteriors, LLC...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-06-16

... Omnium Automotive Exteriors, LLC, Anderson, SC; Plastic Omnium Automotive Exteriors, LLC, Troy, MI... the Anderson, South Carolina location of Plastic Omnium Automotive Exteriors, LLC, working out of Troy... certification to include workers in support of the Anderson, South Carolina facility working out of Troy...

Ensuring the Visibility and Traceability of Items through Logistics Chain of Automotive Industry Based on AutoEPCNet Using

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pavel Stasa

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Traceability in logistics is the capability of the participants to trace the products throughout the supply chain by means of either the product and/or container identifiers in a forward and/or backward direction. In today's competitive economic environment, traceability is a key concept related to all products and all types of supply chains. The goal of this paper is to describe development of application that enables to create and share information about the physical movement and status of products as they travel throughout the supply chain. The main purpose of this paper is to describe the development of RFID based track and trace system for ensuring the visibility and traceability of items in logistics chain especially in automotive industry. The proposed solution is based on EPCglobal Network Architecture.

Advanced Automotive Technologies annual report to Congress, fiscal year 1996

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1998-03-01

This annual report serves to inform the United States Congress on the progress for fiscal year 1996 of programs under the Department of Energy`s Office of Advanced Automotive Technologies (OAAT). This document complies with the legislative requirement to report on the implementation of Title III of the Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978. Also reported are related activities performed under subsequent relevant legislation without specific reporting requirements. Furthermore, this report serves as a vital means of communication from the Department to all public and private sector participants. Specific requirements that are addressed in this report are: Discussion of how each research and development contract, grant, or project funded under the authority of this Act satisfies the requirements of each subsection; Current comprehensive program definition for implementing Title III; Evaluation of the state of automotive propulsion system research and development in the United States; Number and amount of contracts and grants awarded under Title III; Analysis of the progress made in developing advanced automotive propulsion system technology; and Suggestions for improvements in automotive propulsion system research and development, including recommendations for legislation.

An Account for Implementing Just-in-time: A Case Study of the Automotive Industry in China

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Bo Hou

2013-07-01

Full Text Available Just-in-time (JIT has been a popular operation strategy partly because of its success in the japanese automobile industry. Various benefits such as inventory reduction, improved operations efficiency, and faster response, have been studied widely in previous studies. Therefore, successful implementation of JIT is vital to many companies. This research makes use of a case study to explore five key research themes, which are information system, production planning, inventory management, quality management, and suppliers management, and the success factors surrounding implementation of JIT for an automotive company. This case study also provides evidences for supporting the benefits of employing JIT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect relevant data. The research finding indicates that JIT system is crucial for the success of automobile companies, and operates JIT system can lead to many advantages to the case company. The major contribution of this paper lies in the discussions of the successful factors as a practical guide to implement JIT systems.

Industrial safety, origins and current situation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gil Sarralbo, J. F.

2011-01-01

Basic Introduction to Industrial Safety, purpose and expected outcome. Concepts and fundamental principles that support it. Brief overview of its evolution over the course of history. The current legal basis in Spain for Industrial Safety. (Author) 4 refs.

Performance of Automotive Industry under Financial Crisis

OpenAIRE

Cheng, Xiaomeng

2012-01-01

Since the financial crisis, automobile industry faces severe problems such as sale decline and cash shortage. Some corporations such as General Motors also went to bankrupt. The whole industry was under financial distress and this also affected other related industries such as part manufacturers and suppliers. Most literatures investigated the industry performance by measures such as sale and production volume, export record or GDP contribution. Few of them examine the industrial performance ...

New Books for Industrial Educators

Science.gov (United States)

School Shop, 1975

1975-01-01

The most recent book releases in the field of industrial-technical education are listed alphabetically under: automotive/power mechanics; building trades; drafting; electricity/electronics; graphic arts, industrial arts, vocational, technical and career education; industrial mathematics; machine shop/metalworking; metrics; radio/television;…

Change management methodologies trained for automotive infotainment projects

Science.gov (United States)

Prostean, G.; Volker, S.; Hutanu, A.

2017-01-01

An Automotive Electronic Control Units (ECU) development project embedded within a car Environment is constantly under attack of a continuous flow of modifications of specifications throughout the life cycle. Root causes for those modifications are for instance simply software or hardware implementation errors or requirement changes to satisfy the forthcoming demands of the market to ensure the later commercial success. It is unavoidable that from the very beginning until the end of the project “requirement changes” will “expose” the agreed objectives defined by contract specifications, which are product features, budget, schedule and quality. The key discussions will focus upon an automotive radio-navigation (infotainment) unit, which challenges aftermarket devises such as smart phones. This competition stresses especially current used automotive development processes, which are fit into a 4 Year car development (introduction) cycle against a one-year update cycle of a smart phone. The research will focus the investigation of possible impacts of changes during all phases of the project: the Concept-Validation, Development and Debugging-Phase. Building a thorough understanding of prospective threats is of paramount importance in order to establish the adequate project management process to handle requirement changes. Personal automotive development experiences and Literature review of change- and configuration management software development methodologies led the authors to new conceptual models, which integrates into the structure of traditional development models used in automotive projects, more concretely of radio-navigation projects.

An automotive supply chain model for a demand-driven environment

OpenAIRE

Intaher M. Ambe; Johanna A. Badenhorst-Weiss

2011-01-01

The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the development of a supply chain model for the automotive industry that would respond to changing consumer demand. Now more than ever, businesses need to improve the efficiency of their supply chains in order to maintain a competitive advantage. The principles of lean manufacturing and just-intime (JIT) inventory control that were renowned for helping companies like Toyota, Dell and Walmart to rise to the top of their respective industries are no...

75 FR 49527 - Metaldyne Corporation, Metaldyne Tubular Products, Currently Known as Flexible Metal, Inc...

Science.gov (United States)

2010-08-13

..., Metaldyne Tubular Products, Currently Known as Flexible Metal, Inc., Powertrain Division, Hamburg, MI... certification for workers of the subject firm. The workers are engaged in the production of exhaust manifolds and turbo tubes for the automotive industry. Information shows that on June 10, 2010, Flexible Metals...

Les élastomères dans les industries pétrolière et parapétrolière Elastomers in the Oil and Automotive Industries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Lesage J.

2006-11-01

Full Text Available L'accroissement des contraintes subies par les matériaux utilisés dans les techniques pétrolières et parapétrolières et liées aux températures et pressions élevées ainsi qu'aux agressions chimiques, fait que l'on exige de ces matériaux qu'ils soient de plus en plus performants. Ceci implique, pour les concepteurs et utilisateurs de matériel comportant des élastomères en contact avec les hydrocarbures, une connaissance actualisée des produits existants, lesquels sont en constante évolution. On commence donc par décrire les principales familles d'élastomères résistant en milieu pétrolier actuellement disponibles sur le marché. Puis, après avoir évoqué les problèmes que rencontrent les industries pétrolière et automobile dans l'utilisation des élastomères et présenté sommairement les résultats de travaux réalisés à l'Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP, on définira quelques axes de recherches dont la finalité est de participer à l'amélioration des techniques pétrolières dans le sens d'une meilleure fiabilité et d'une réduction des coûts. The materials used in the oil and automotive industries are being subjected to higher and higher mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses, so these materials, and especially elastomers, have to be more and more resistant. For designers and users of equipment containing elastomers in contact with hydrocarbons, this requires an updated understanding of existing products. The aim of this article is thus to describe, first of all, the leading families of resistant elastomers now available for use in a petroleum environment, with particular emphasis on chlorinated, fluorinated, acrylic and nitrile rubbers and their derivatives, which have evolved greatly in recent years with the appearance of new varieties and new types of elastomers, such as Atlas, Vamac, Eypel, etc. For each family of elastomer, the structure is described along with the vulcanization method, its properties

Automotive Stirling engine: Mod 2 design report

Science.gov (United States)

Nightingale, Noel P.

1986-01-01

The design of an automotive Stirling engine that achieves the superior fuel economy potential of the Stirling cycle is described. As the culmination of a 9-yr development program, this engine, designated the Mod 2, also nullifies arguments that Stirling engines are heavy, expensive, unreliable, demonstrating poor performance. Installed in a General Motors Chevrolet Celebrity car, this engine has a predicted combined fuel economy on unleaded gasoline of 17.5 km/l (41 mpg)- a value 50% above the current vehicle fleet average. The Mod 2 Stirling engine is a four-cylinder V-drive design with a single crankshaft. The engine is also equipped with all the controls and auxiliaries necessary for automotive operation.

Automotive Electrical and Electronic System II; Automotive Mechanics-Intermediate: 9045.04.

Science.gov (United States)

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

This automotive electrical and electronic system course is an intermediate course designed for the student who has completed automotive Electrical and Electronic System I. The theory and principles of operation of the components of the starting and charging systems and other electrical accessory systems in the automobile will be learned by the…

Investigations on electroluminescent tapes and foils in relation to their applications in automotive

Science.gov (United States)

Plotog, Ioan

2015-02-01

The electroluminescent (EL) tapes or foils having barrier films for an additional level of protection against the toughest environments conditions, offer a large area of applications. The EL lights, due to their characteristics, began to be used not only in the entertainment industry, but also for automotive and aerospace applications. In the paper, the investigations regarding EL foils technical performances in relation to their applications as light sources in automotive ambient light were presented. The experiments were designed based on the results of EL foils electrical properties previous investigations done in laboratory conditions, taking into account the range of automotive ambient temperatures for sinusoidal alternative supply voltage. The measurements for different temperatures were done by keeping the EL foils into electronic controlled oven that ensures the dark enclosure offering conditions to use a lux-meter in order to measure and maintain under control light emission intensity. The experiments results define the EL foils characteristics as load in automotive ambient temperatures condition, assuring so the data for optimal design of a dedicated inverter.

Automotive Electrical and Electronic Systems I; Automotive Mechanics 2: 9045.03.

Science.gov (United States)

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

The automotive electrical and electronic system I course is designed as one of a group of quinmester courses offered in the field of automotive mechanics. General information will be given along with technical knowledge, basic skills, attitudes and values that are required for job entry level. The nine week (135 clock hour) course overcomes some…

Multidimensional Structure for Definingthe Effect of Organizational Culture and Supply Chain Culture on Knowledge Sharing in Supply Chain of Automotive Industry: With Emphasis on Improving Supply Chain Performance

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mohsen Shafiei Nikabadi

2012-12-01

Full Text Available : One of the key aspects of knowledge management is organizational culture. Finding an appropriate culture and key indicators for culture in implementation and execution of knowledge management are one the most important matter in knowledge management implementation in any organization. So, the main purpose of this article was presenting a multidimensional structure for organizational culture and supply chain culture with the aim of effective knowledge sharing in supply chain of automotive industry of Iran. First, according to the literature review, key indicators for any dimension of multidimensional structure of the research were defined. Then, key indicators were revised, adjusted and modified by three industry experts and three college professors, so 4 questions and 5 hypotheses were offered. Next, that multidimensional structure has been assessed as a survey and cause-effect study in supply chains of Iran Khodro Company and Saipa Company.115 industry professionals have participated in this study. In the research, after testing co-linearity between variables, relations between different dimensions of the multidimensional structure have been assessed with the help of path analysis. Research findings showed that the multidimensional structure introduced in the study had an appropriate fitness in automotive industry. The results of path analysis also showed that the culture of the supply chain has had the greatest impact of Business culture. On the other hand, business culture had a strong but indirect effect on supply chain performance. And finally, the greatest effect of knowledge sharing and transferring was on non-financial performance of supply chain.

Formal methods applied to industrial complex systems implementation of the B method

CERN Document Server

Boulanger, Jean-Louis

2014-01-01

This book presents real-world examples of formal techniques in an industrial context. It covers formal methods such as SCADE and/or the B Method, in various fields such as railways, aeronautics, and the automotive industry. The purpose of this book is to present a summary of experience on the use of "formal methods" (based on formal techniques such as proof, abstract interpretation and model-checking) in industrial examples of complex systems, based on the experience of people currently involved in the creation and assessment of safety critical system software. The involvement of people from

Dust and smoke pollution monitoring in industrial unit

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shamsi, S.S.

1995-01-01

Dust and smoke are the two most commonly emitted industrial pollutants which are visible to the naked eye. Cement plants and power generation plants, based on coal and fuel oil etc. are the most common examples of industry emitting these pollutants. In this article these pollutants have been briefly described and some monitoring instruments for dust and smoke emissions have been specific. These instruments are especially suitable for power station and the cement industry etc. Automotive in urban areas. However, this paper does not include equipment for automotive exhaust pollution. (author)

MUTATIONS OF AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION IN THE WORLD CRISIS CONDITIONS

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mircea Alexandru RĂDUŢEANU

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Global technical harmonization is considered a driver of international competitiveness of the European automotive industry, with improving global competitiveness of European industry and creating automotive jobs in terms of environmental protection and road safety. The global economic crisis, the European Union had to take some measures to protect the automotive sector, using the investment in innovative technologies to facilitate consumer credit, and financial incentives for people who choose to sell old car and buy a new one. Referring to the importance of the issues examined in Europe today, automotive industry become very substantial, competition is fierce and the pace of change is emphasized. Thus, we have presented in this paper the general characteristics of the motor car industry in Europe and how it was influenced by the global crisis, and then to review the evolution of this sector in Romania and how they are feeling the crisis.

Effective production control in an automotive industry: MRP vs. demand-driven MRP

Science.gov (United States)

Shofa, Mohamad Jihan; Widyarto, Wahyu Oktri

2017-06-01

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) has deficiencies when dealing with current business environments, marked by a more complex network, a huge variety of products with longer lead time, and uncertain demands. This drives Demand-Driven MRP (DDMRP) approach to deal with those challenges. DDMRP is designed to connect the availability of materials and supplies directly from the actual condition using bills of materials (BOMs). Nevertheless, only few studies have scientifically proved the performance of DDMRP over MRP for controlling production and inventory control. Therefore, this research fills this gap by evaluating and comparing the performance of DDMRP and MRP in terms of level of effective inventory in the system. The evaluation was conducted through a simulation using data from an automotive company in Indonesia. The input parameters of scenarios were given for running the simulation. Based on the simulation, for the observed critical parts, DDMRP gave better results than MRP in terms of lead time and inventory level. DDMRP compressed the lead time part from 52 to 3 days (94% reduced) and, overall, the inventory level was in an effective condition. This suggests that DDMRP is more effective for controlling the production-inventory than MRP.

Environment, automotive fuels and petroleum industry

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tabarelli, Davide

1997-01-01

After several years of delays, the italian environmental regulation concerning the oil industry has taken a leading role in Europe, especially starting from 1995, for benzene limits in gasoline. This article tries to estimate what are the anticipates costs for the italian industry due to a stricter legislation on gasoline compared to the rest of Europe

Mixed graphite cast iron for automotive exhaust component applications

OpenAIRE

De-lin Li

2017-01-01

Both spheroidal graphite iron and compacted graphite iron are used in the automotive industry. A recently proposed mixed graphite iron exhibits a microstructure between the conventional spheroidal graphite iron and compacted graphite iron. Evaluation results clearly indicate the suitability and benefits of mixed graphite iron for exhaust component applications with respect to casting, machining, mechanical, thermophysical, oxidation, and thermal fatigue properties. A new ASTM standard speci...

Technology Roadmap for Energy Reduction in Automotive Manufacturing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

none,

2008-09-01

U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP), in collaboration with the United States Council for Automotive Research LLC (USCAR), hosted a technology roadmap workshop in Troy, Michigan in May 2008. The purpose of the workshop was to explore opportunities for energy reduction, discuss the challenges and barriers that might need to be overcome, and identify priorities for future R&D. The results of the workshop are presented in this report.

The Weathering Study of PC/ASA Alloy For Automotive Exterior Applications

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sinan Öztürk

2017-10-01

Full Text Available Polycarbonates (PC are used in automotive industry due to high physical and mechanical properties like high impact resistance and ductility. Polycarbonates are blended with ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene and ASA (Acrylonitrile-Styrene-Acrylate terpolymers for interior and exterior applications of automotive components to achieve good physical and mechanical properties. Other reason for choosing such alloys for interior applications is the IZOD impact resistance requirement higher than 40kJ/m2. Recently, grades of PC/ASA with UV stabilized are developed for non-painted exterior applications. The aim of our study is to investigate whether new developed PC/ASA could be chosen for exterior applications of automotive industry. In this study, the samples are prepared from injection molding and the weathering performance of PC/ASA was tested by a weather-o-meter for 1500h at a total of 1890 kJ/m2 at 340nm with a cut-off filter at λ<290nm. The results are evaluated by FT-IR, DSC, TGA and SEM. It has been observed that UV degradation of PC/ASA leads to several major changes in its IR spectrum like broad bands occurred in the hydroxyl region around 3300 cm-1, and carbonyl stretching region increased around 1728 cm-1. The main degradations were based on photo-oxidation and photo-Fries rearrangement of PC. In our study, the photo-oxidation was followed by the color shift to yellowing of the polymer.

MATURITY IN LOGISTICS PROJECT MANAGEMENT APPLIED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY CEARENSE

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Danilo Cavalcante de Vasconcelos

2012-04-01

Full Text Available The present study aims to develop the concepts applied by the PMBOK in efficient management of logistics projects and production management through a case study, seeking the best use of resources used in projects. Thus, we used the analysis of a real case study in a comparative way with the indicators of the model PMMM - Maturity Model Project Management Sector - proposed by Prado (2003, and applied to an automotive company. The findings point to a low level of maturity in project management, demonstrating the need for corrective action.

Hierarchical modeling of automotive sensor front-ends for structural diagnosis of aging faults

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Kerkhoff, Hans G.; Wan, J.; Zhao, Yong

2012-01-01

The semiconductor industry for automotive applications is growing rapidly. This is because advanced electronics is now being developed to monitor and control many vital functions previously handled purely mechanical. In addition hybrid and pure electrical cars are emerging. Parts of these electronic

Automotive History and Development of the Automobile; Automotive Mechanics I: 9043.01.

Science.gov (United States)

Dade County Public Schools, Miami, FL.

The automotive history and development of the automobile course is designed to familiarize the beginning student with basic concepts common to the automobile history and general information that is required for successful advancement in the automotive mechanics field. A course outline is provided and seven pages of post-tests are included in the…

Current status of hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles: From electrochemistry to market prospects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pollet, Bruno G.; Staffell, Iain; Shang, Jin Lei

2012-01-01

Decarbonising transport is proving to be one of today's major challenges for the global automotive industry due to many factors such as the increase in greenhouse gas and particulate emissions affecting not only the climate but also humans, the increase in pollution, rapid oil depletion, issues with energy security and dependency from foreign sources and population growth. For more than a century, our society has been dependent upon oil, and major breakthroughs in low- and ultra-low carbon technologies and vehicles are urgently required. This review paper highlights the current status of hybrid, battery and fuel cell electric vehicles from an electrochemical and market point of view. The review paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using each technology in the automotive industry and the impact of these technologies on consumers.

Características estruturais, relacionais e gerenciais na cadeia de suprimentos de um condomínio industrial na indústria automobilística Structural, relational and managerial characteristics in supply chain of a condominium in the automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sílvio Roberto Ignácio Pires

2010-01-01

Full Text Available Nas últimas décadas, a contribuição da indústria automobilística tem sido muito representativa em termos de inovações na gestão da cadeia de suprimentos, tais como aquelas contempladas nos modelos de consórcio modular e de condomínio industrial. Este artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa envolvendo diferentes configurações na estrutura de relacionamento entre uma montadora de automóveis e alguns de seus fornecedores, em uma cadeia de suprimentos da indústria automobilística que utiliza o modelo de condomínio industrial. O propósito principal foi verificar, empiricamente, algumas das implicações que a configuração da cadeia de suprimentos exerce sobre elementos importantes na sua gestão, tais como: tipos de relacionamentos, processos logísticos, planejamento de produtos, gestão da produção e medição de desempenho. Os resultados corroboram que a configuração da cadeia é fator determinante na forma como se conduz o relacionamento da montadora com seus fornecedores, influenciando, significativamente, os elementos considerados na análise.In the last decades the contribution of the automotive industry has been very representative in terms of innovations in supply chain management, such as those of the modular consortium and industrial condominium models. In this context, this article presents the findings of a research involving distinct configurations in the relationship structure of an automaker and some of its suppliers in an automotive industry supply chain which uses the industrial condominium model. The main objective was to empirically ascertain some of the implications of the supply chain configuration in important elements of its management, such as the types of relationships, logistic processes, product planning, production management, and performance assessment. The findings confirm that the supply chain configuration is a determining factor in how the automaker's relationship with its suppliers is

Petroleum, Convenience, & Automotive Marketing [Student Book and] Answer Book/Teacher's Guide.

Science.gov (United States)

Kozek, Ed; Faught, Suzanne G.

This student manual and answer book/teacher's guide focus on the industry-specific information and skills needed by students who plan to enter, or who may already be receiving, training in a petroleum-related business, such as a full-service gas station, convenience store, or automotive specialty service shop. The student manual contains 16…

Secondary-Postsecondary Curriculum Development in Automotive Mechanics. Automotive Electrical Competencies. Final Report.

Science.gov (United States)

Hoepner, Ronald

Developed as part of a competency-based curriculum in automotive mechanics which is usable by students at both the secondary and postsecondary levels, this learning package focuses on automotive electrical systems. It is the first unit to be published in a series of eight which will cover the eight subject areas on the national certification…

Application of the dynamic characterization of metals in automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

D'Aiuto, Fabio; De Caro, Daniele; Federici, Claudio; Tedesco, Michele M.; Ziggiotti, Alessandro; Cadoni, Ezio

2015-09-01

This paper presents the experimental methodology used by R&D EMEA - Global Materials Labs Department to test metals at high strain rate of 500 s-1. The implementation of dynamic results in commercial FEM Software LS - DYNA for crash simulation are presented. The effects of the strain rate on the tensile properties of metals, used in automotive field, are evaluated using results obtained from a direct tension split Hopkinson bar, built in collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland DynaMat Lab. Finally the complete mechanical characterization of the Magnesium alloy AZ31B is presented, from static up to dynamic tests, showing its applications in FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles), problems and future developments.

Automotive and aeronautical clusters in the São Paulo state’s Vale do Paraíba: a comparison of formation trajectories

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Márcio da Silveira Luz

2010-04-01

Full Text Available This paper presents a comparison of the relevant characteristics of São Paulo State’s Vale do Paraíba automotive and aerospace clusters observed and analyzes the technological and productive chains strengthening. In order to accomplish it, the adopted methodological procedures are of qualitative nature, by means of documentary research. The results pointed out that the government established, in the mid-1945, the currently named Departamento de Ciência e Tecnologia Aeroespacial (DCTA, as a research and development (R&D center and, by 1979, Embraer, a state-owned aeronautical construction industry. It was also sought to generate conditions so that domestic companies could emerge around and replace the dependency on aerospace systems and subsystems international suppliers by developing indigenous technological capacities. The automotive cluster under study started in the São Paulo State’s Vale do Paraíba (PPV by means of the regionalization of multinational automotive construction firms migrated from ABC Paulista region looking for physical space for their growth, also relying on tax benefits. The survey results indicate that, in spite of fundamental differences with regard to their productive chains strenghtening processes, they showed similar adverse results.

Dynamic characteristics of automotive steel sheets

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. Mihaliková

2016-10-01

Full Text Available The aim of this experimental research was to perform an analysis of deformation characteristics on two different types of steel: IF steel, and micro-alloyed steel were used automotive industry. For that purpose changes of properties of these materials were carried out by static 10-3 · s-1 and dynamic 103 · s-1 strain rate assess its plastic properties. Vickers micro hardness test was carried out by the static and dynamic loading condition and describes different hardness distribution. The higher strain hardening of materials was obtained too that was confirmed by distribution of dislocations.

Portfolio risk-return analysis: The case of the automotive industry in the Czech Republic

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Florin Aliu

2017-12-01

Full Text Available Risk has always been the concern of managers and shareholders as a part of decision-making processes. Managers tend to control unsystematic risk mostly while trying to minimize the exposure to systematic (market risk. The paper aims to assess the risk level and risk-return tradeoffs for the companies operating in Czech automotive industry. A diversification formula and calculation of returns using return-on-equity were employed on the yearly basis from 2005 till 2014. The returns and risk calculations were conducted on the portfolio of auto manufacturers, followed by the portfolio of auto suppliers, while the third one was performed for suppliers and manufacturers taken together. The results of the study show that the average correlation coefficient tends to decrease when we move from manufacturers to suppliers, while increasing when we join manufacturers and suppliers in one portfolio. The highest diversification benefit has been reached in the portfolio of auto suppliers. The highest risk is manifested for the portfolio of manufacturers, while the lowest – in the portfolio of auto suppliers. Risk level declined when we joined manufacturers and suppliers in comparison with risk of manufacturers alone. However, the lowest risk and the highest risk-return tradeoff were achieved in the portfolio of suppliers.

Action Handbook for Automotive Service Instruction.

Science.gov (United States)

Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association of the U.S., Inc., Detroit, MI.

The document is a handbook for a vocational automotive service education program which was formulated as a result of a four-day series of intensive workshops called the National Automotive Service Vocational Education Conference. The handbook discusses the major components of an automotive service vocational education program and aspects of their…

Automotive websites

CERN Document Server

Jensen, Todd A

2006-01-01

For anyone buying a new car, restoring an old favorite, collecting license plates or looking for motorsports information, the internet is the place to go and this is the book to help you get there. Now with over 650 internet addresses, this expanded and updated guide provides detailed descriptions and reviews of the biggest, best and most interesting automotive websites on the net. Beginning with a brief internet history and helpful hints, it aids the novice (or not so novice) user in picking through the countless automotive sites on the internet. Websites are arranged by topics such as afterm

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic field on the health of workers in automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Xin; Zhao, Longyu; Yu, Duo; Ma, Shumei; Liu, Xiaodong

2013-12-01

To observe the effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) in automotive industry on occupational workers. A total of 704 workers were investigated, and 374 workers were chosen and divided into two groups (control group and exposure group) according to the inclusive criteria, namely male with age 20-40 years old and ≥ 2 years of exposure. The intensities of ELF-EMFs and noise were detected with EFA-300 Field Analyzer (Narda company, Pfullingen, Germany) and AWA5610D integrating sound level meter (Hangzhou Aihua Instruments Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China), respectively. Survey data were collected by questionnaire, and the physical check-up was done in hospital. All the data were input into SPSS17.0 software (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA), and the appropriate statistic analyses were carried out. The intensity of EMFs in exposure group was significantly higher than that in control group (p 0.05). The survey data collected by questionnaires showed that the symptoms of loss of hair in exposure group were significantly different as compared with that in control group (p effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, liver, and hematology system of workers.

IPI tax relief policy and its impact on automotive and related sectors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Luiz Antônio Abrantes

2017-09-01

Full Text Available The policy of IPI tax relief in the automotive industry came from the need of answers to the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, which affected Brazil. This way, Brazilian Government set the reduction of the percentages of rates applied to automotive products and related sectors, according to several factors such as engine power, fuel type and production site, in order to restore the sector demand and stimulate the economy. In this context, this work aims to evaluate the implications of IPI tax relief policy, since 2009, on the turnover of joint-stock companies of the automotive and related sectors. The methodology was a multiple regression analysis model with Dynamic Panel data, in order to explain the variations of companies' turnover in the sector, regarding IPI tax relief. The data used were of 84 companies of this sector, for the period from 1998 to 2015, based on the software Economática. The results showed a decrease of IPI tax collection in the periods of relief, both in general and specific scope. In addition, we verified that the adoption of the policy had a negative influence on the turnover of the evaluated companies. Thus, we concluded that the tax policy under analysis did not contribute to an increase of automotive sector companies' turnover.

Enabling information sharing by establishing trust in supply chains: A case study in the South African automotive industry

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Roxanne Piderit

2011-10-01

Objectives: This paper explored the relationship between trust and information sharing in South African automotive supply chains, and establishes the importance of nurturing a cyclical relationship between these two factors. In addition, the role of information technology (IT in supporting this relationship was considered. By improving both trust and information sharing, the performance and competitiveness of the supply chain can be improved. Method: An examination of the effects of a lack of trust in a supply chain relationship, and the consequential lack of information flow, was conducted by means of a case study of an Eastern Cape-based automotive supplier. A case study research method was followed for this study, which made use of multiple data collection methods, including document survey and participant observations. The case selected is an East London based subsidiary of a larger multinational automotive component supplier to both local and international automotive original equipment manufacturers. Results: The findings led to the conclusion that the way forward for competitive supply chains is to build trust in the supply chain in order to improve information flow, and vice versa. Information technology can be used to nurture this cyclical relationship between trust and information sharing. Conclusion: It is proposed that simultaneously improving information flow and trust in an interorganisational relationship leads to improved supply chain performance and competitiveness.

Methodology on Investigating the Influences of Automated Material Handling System in Automotive Assembly Process

Science.gov (United States)

Saffar, Seha; Azni Jafar, Fairul; Jamaludin, Zamberi

2016-02-01

A case study was selected as a method to collect data in actual industry situation. The study aimed to assess the influences of automated material handling system in automotive industry by proposing a new design of integration system through simulation, and analyze the significant effect and influence of the system. The method approach tool will be CAD Software (Delmia & Quest). The process of preliminary data gathering in phase 1 will collect all data related from actual industry situation. It is expected to produce a guideline and limitation in designing a new integration system later. In phase 2, an idea or concept of design will be done by using 10 principles of design consideration for manufacturing. A full factorial design will be used as design of experiment in order to analyze the performance measured of the integration system with the current system in case study. From the result of the experiment, an ANOVA analysis will be done to study the performance measured. Thus, it is expected that influences can be seen from the improvement made in the system.

Cold neutron fluoroscopy of operating automotive engines

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Stewart, P.A.E.; Heritage, J.

1983-01-01

The application of neutron fluoroscopy in the automotive industry is a natural extension of previous studies with aircraft engines. This paper describes investigations with two sub-compact car engines. The extent and manner in which lubricants reached the various parts of the engines are compared and contrasted. The paper goes on to describe a study of the deposits inside turbochargers and postulates future topics worthy of investigation. The authors confirm that there is a place for neutron fluoroscopy both as a design tool and for investigations of ''in-service'' phenomena. (Auth.)

DNA-damage response associated with occupational exposure, age and chronic inflammation in workers in the automotive industry.

Science.gov (United States)

Savina, Natalya V; Smal, Marharyta P; Kuzhir, Tatyana D; Ershova-Pavlova, Alla A; Goncharova, Roza I

2012-10-09

The evaluation of genome integrity in populations occupationally exposed to combine industrial factors is of medical importance. In the present study, the DNA-damage response was estimated by means of the alkaline comet assay in a sizeable cohort of volunteers recruited among workers in the automotive industry. For this purpose, freshly collected lymphocytes were treated with hydrogen peroxide (100μM, 1min, 4°C) in vitro, and the levels of basal and H(2)O(2)-induced DNA damage, and the kinetics and efficiency of DNA repair were measured during a 180-min interval after exposure. The parameters studied in the total cohort of workers were in a range of values prescribed for healthy adult residents of Belarus. Based on the 95th percentiles, individuals possessing enhanced cellular sensitivity to DNA damage were present in different groups, but the frequency was significantly higher among elderly persons and among individuals with chronic inflammatory diseases. The results indicate that the inter-individual variations in DNA-damage response should be taken into account to estimate adequately the environmental genotoxic effects and to identify individuals with an enhanced DNA-damage response due to the influence of some external factors or intrinsic properties of the organism. Underling mechanisms need to be further explored. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automotive battery technology

CERN Document Server

Watzenig, Daniel

2014-01-01

The use of electrochemical energy storage systems in automotive applications also involves new requirements for modeling these systems, especially in terms of model depth and model quality. Currently, mainly simple application-oriented models are used to describe the physical behavior of batteries. This book provides a step beyond of state-of-the-art modeling showing various different approaches covering following aspects: system safety, misuse behavior (crash, thermal runaway), battery state estimation and electrochemical modeling with the needed analysis (pre/post mortem). All this different approaches are developed to support the overall integration process from a multidisciplinary point-of-view and depict their further enhancements to this process.

Modeling and analysis of flow and heat transfer in a large PEM fuel cell suitable for automotive applications

OpenAIRE

Yiğinsu, Berk; Yiginsu, Berk

2016-01-01

Based on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) targets, automotive manufacturers realize the necessities to develop new technologies that replace the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Nowadays there are two major trends in the automotive industry; First, hybrid vehicles which combine hydrogen energy with combustion energy, and second there is a down-sizing trend. By using hybrid technologies auto makers can obtain a significant drop in emission levels and the efficiencies increase up to 80%. Reachi...

Executable UML Modeling For Automotive Embedded Systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gerard, Sebastien

2000-01-01

Engineers are more and more faced to the hard problem of sophisticated real-time System whereas time to market becomes always smaller. Object oriented modeling supported by UML standard brings effective solutions to such problems. However the possibility to specify real-time aspects of an application are not yet fully satisfactory Indeed, existing industrial proposals supply good answers to concurrency specification problem but they are yet limited regarding to real-time quantitative properties specification of an application. This work aims to construct a complete and consistent UML methodology based on a profile dedicated to automotive embedded Systems modeling and prototyping. This profile contains ail needed extensions to express easily the real-time quantitative properties of an application. Moreover, thanks to the formalization of UML protocol state machines, real-time concepts have been well-integrated in the object oriented paradigm. The main result of this deep integration is that a user is now able to model real-time Systems through the classical object oriented view i.e. without needing any specific knowing in real-time area. In order to answer to an industrial requirement, Systems prototyping (key point for car industry) the ACCORD/UML approach allows also to build executable models of an application. For that purpose, the method supplies a set of rules allow.ng to remove UML ambiguous semantics points, to complete semantics variation points and then to obtain a complete and coherent global model of an application being executable. The work of UML extension and its using formalization realized all along this thesis supplied also a complete and non-ambiguous modeling framework for automotive electronics Systems development. This is also a base particularly well-suited to tackle other facets of the Systems development as automatic and optimized code generation, validation, simulation or tests. (author) [fr

Advancing Material Models for Automotive Forming Simulations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vegter, H.; An, Y.; Horn, C.H.L.J. ten; Atzema, E.H.; Roelofsen, M.E.

2005-01-01

Simulations in automotive industry need more advanced material models to achieve highly reliable forming and springback predictions. Conventional material models implemented in the FEM-simulation models are not capable to describe the plastic material behaviour during monotonic strain paths with sufficient accuracy. Recently, ESI and Corus co-operate on the implementation of an advanced material model in the FEM-code PAMSTAMP 2G. This applies to the strain hardening model, the influence of strain rate, and the description of the yield locus in these models. A subsequent challenge is the description of the material after a change of strain path.The use of advanced high strength steels in the automotive industry requires a description of plastic material behaviour of multiphase steels. The simplest variant is dual phase steel consisting of a ferritic and a martensitic phase. Multiphase materials also contain a bainitic phase in addition to the ferritic and martensitic phase. More physical descriptions of strain hardening than simple fitted Ludwik/Nadai curves are necessary.Methods to predict plastic behaviour of single-phase materials use a simple dislocation interaction model based on the formed cells structures only. At Corus, a new method is proposed to predict plastic behaviour of multiphase materials have to take hard phases into account, which deform less easily. The resulting deformation gradients create geometrically necessary dislocations. Additional micro-structural information such as morphology and size of hard phase particles or grains is necessary to derive the strain hardening models for this type of materials.Measurements available from the Numisheet benchmarks allow these models to be validated. At Corus, additional measured values are available from cross-die tests. This laboratory test can attain critical deformations by large variations in blank size and processing conditions. The tests are a powerful tool in optimising forming simulations prior

Some recent developments in sheet metal forming for production of lightweight automotive parts

Science.gov (United States)

Tisza, M.; Lukács, Zs; Kovács, P.; Budai, D.

2017-09-01

Low cost manufacturing in the automotive industry is one of the main targets due to the ever increasing global competition among car manufacturers all over the World. Sheet metal forming is one of the most important key technologies in the automotive industry; therefore the elaboration of new, innovative low cost manufacturing processes is one of the main objectives in sheet metal forming as well. In 2015 with the initiative of the Imperial College London a research consortium was established under the umbrella Low Cost Materials Processing Technologies for Mass Production of Lightweight Vehicles. The primary aim of this project is to provide affordable low cost weight reduction in mass production of vehicles considering the entire life-cycle. In this project, 19 European Institutions (Universities and Research Institutions) from 9 European countries are participating with the above targets. The University of Miskolc is one of the members of this research Consortium. In this paper, some preliminary results with the contributions of the University of Miskolc will be introduced.

Automotive Control Systems: For Engine, Driveline, and Vehicle

Science.gov (United States)

Kiencke, Uwe; Nielsen, Lars

Advances in automotive control systems continue to enhance safety and comfort and to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Reflecting the trend to optimization through integrative approaches for engine, driveline, and vehicle control, this valuable book enables control engineers to understand engine and vehicle models necessary for controller design, and also introduces mechanical engineers to vehicle-specific signal processing and automatic control. The emphasis on measurement, comparisons between performance and modeling, and realistic examples derive from the authors' unique industrial experience

Automotive Thermoelectric Waste Heat Recovery

Science.gov (United States)

Meisner, Gregory P.

2015-03-01

Considerable fuel energy, as much as 70%, is not converted to useful work by internal combustion engines but is instead rejected as waste heat, and more than half of the waste heat, nearly 40% of fuel energy, is contained in vehicle exhaust gas. This provides an opportunity to recover some of the wasted fuel energy and convert it from heat into useful work, subject to the laws of thermodynamics, and thereby improve vehicle energy efficiency. Thermoelectric (TE) materials have been extensively researched and TE devices are now being developed for operation at high temperatures corresponding to automotive exhaust gases for direct solid-state conversion of heat into electricity. This has stimulated substantial progress in the development of practical TE generator (TEG) systems for large-scale commercialization. A significant enabler of this progress has been the US Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Program through funding for low cost solutions for automotive TE waste heat recovery to improve fuel economy. Our current project at General Motors has culminated in the identification of the potential supply chain for all components and assembly of an automotive TEG. A significant focus has been to develop integrated and iterative modeling tools for a fully optimized TEG design that includes all components and subsystems (TE modules, heat exchangers, thermal interfaces, electrical interconnects, power conditioning, and vehicle integration for maximal use of TEG power). We have built and tested a new, low-cost Initial TEG prototype based on state-of-the-art production-scale skutterudite TE modules, novel heat exchanger designs, and practical solutions to the many technical challenges for optimum TEG performance. We will use the results for our Initial TEG prototype to refine our modeling and design tools for a Final automotive TEG system prototype. Our recent results will be presented. Thanks to: J.R. Salvador, E.R. Gundlach, D. Thompson, N.K. Bucknor, M

Product Development in the Automotive Industry – Crucial Success Drivers for Technological Innovations

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Gerhard, D.; Brem, Alexander; Voigt, K.-I.

2008-01-01

Developing new innovative products in the automotive industrymeans investing huge sums in advance, as one does not know if the productwill be successful on the market after launch. Hence, companies are interestedin knowing and measuring the critical success drivers within the developmentsteps...... interesting approaches of best practices, such as the assessment of product advantage in combination with scenario analysis or the identification of appropriate innovations....

Satisfaction of the Automotive Fleet Fuel Demand and Its Impact on the Oil Refining Industry

Science.gov (United States)

1980-12-01

Because virtually all transportation fuels are based on petroleum, it is essential to include petroleum refining in any assessment of potential changes in the transportation system. A number of changes in the automotive fleet have been proposed to im...

Automotive Technology Skill Standards

Science.gov (United States)

Garrett, Tom; Asay, Don; Evans, Richard; Barbie, Bill; Herdener, John; Teague, Todd; Allen, Scott; Benshoof, James

2009-01-01

The standards in this document are for Automotive Technology programs and are designed to clearly state what the student should know and be able to do upon completion of an advanced high-school automotive program. Minimally, the student will complete a three-year program to achieve all standards. Although these exit-level standards are designed…

Reverse logistics strategic antinomies: the case of the automotive sector

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Blanas, G.

2012-01-01

Full Text Available Legislation plays a major role in the automobile manufacturing sector. The European legislation has a prominent international role in this respect. We examine the impact of the European Parliament, Council (2000 Directive 2000/53/EC on the EU automobile sector reverse logistics activities in the light of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR principle. We argue that there is an antinomy in the application of the Directive that is supposed to support an EPR strategy. The antinomy is expressed by [1] the absence of the necessary capabilities of Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs to advance to higher reverse logistics activities like remanufacturing [2] an indefinite delay of the possibility for transformation of the current forward chain manufacturing model, [3] a stability in the strategic group formation of the European automobile manufacturing sector that prevents the further diffusion of manufacturing and remanufacturing capabilities within EU with profound positive economic impacts in favour of the industrialized countries with a strong automotive manufacturing sector and negative impacts to less industrialized countries. We also argue that the proper application of the EPR strategy is in favour of established EU manufacturers and can act as a barrier to entry for non-European firms.

Evaluation of an attributive measurement system in the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Simion, C.

2016-08-01

Measurement System Analysis (MSA) is a critical component for any quality improvement process. MSA is defined as an experimental and mathematical method of determining how much the variation within the measurement process contributes to overall process variability and it falls into two categories: attribute and variable. Most problematic measurement system issues come from measuring attribute data, which are usually the result of human judgment (visual inspection). Because attributive measurement systems are often used in some manufacturing processes, their assessment is important to obtain the confidence in the inspection process, to see where are the problems in order to eliminate them and to guide the process improvement. It was the aim of this paper to address such a issue presenting a case study made in a local company from the Sibiu region supplying products for the automotive industry, specifically the bag (a technical textile component, i.e. the fabric) for the airbag module. Because defects are inherent in every manufacturing process and in the field of airbag systems a minor defect can influence their performance and lives depend on the safety feature, there is a stringent visual inspection required on the defects of the bag material. The purpose of this attribute MSA was: to determine if all inspectors use the same criteria to determine “pass” from “fail” product (i.e. the fabric); to assess company inspection standards against customer's requirements; to determine how well inspectors are conforming to themselves; to identify how inspectors are conforming to a “known master,” which includes: how often operators ship defective product, how often operators dispose of acceptable product; to discover areas where training is required, procedures must be developed and standards are not available. The results were analyzed using MINITAB software with its module called Attribute Agreement Analysis. The conclusion was that the inspection process must

Towards the automotive HMI of the future: Overview of the AIDE - Integrated project results

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Amditis, A.; Andreone, L.; Pagle, K.; Markkula, G.; Deregibus, E.; Romera Rue, M.; Bellotti, F.; Engelsberg, A.; Brouwer, R.; Peters, B.; Gloria, A. de

2010-01-01

The Adaptive Integrated Driver-vehicle interfacE (AIDE) is an integrated project funded by the European Commission in the Sixth Framework Programme. The project, which involves 31 partners from the European automotive industry and academia, deals with behavioral and technical issues related to

How inverse solver technologies can support die face development and process planning in the automotive industry

Science.gov (United States)

Huhn, Stefan; Peeling, Derek; Burkart, Maximilian

2017-10-01

With the availability of die face design tools and incremental solver technologies to provide detailed forming feasibility results in a timely fashion, the use of inverse solver technologies and resulting process improvements during the product development process of stamped parts often is underestimated. This paper presents some applications of inverse technologies that are currently used in the automotive industry to streamline the product development process and greatly increase the quality of a developed process and the resulting product. The first focus is on the so-called target strain technology. Application examples will show how inverse forming analysis can be applied to support the process engineer during the development of a die face geometry for Class `A' panels. The drawing process is greatly affected by the die face design and the process designer has to ensure that the resulting drawn panel will meet specific requirements regarding surface quality and a minimum strain distribution to ensure dent resistance. The target strain technology provides almost immediate feedback to the process engineer during the die face design process if a specific change of the die face design will help to achieve these specific requirements or will be counterproductive. The paper will further show how an optimization of the material flow can be achieved through the use of a newly developed technology called Sculptured Die Face (SDF). The die face generation in SDF is more suited to be used in optimization loops than any other conventional die face design technology based on cross section design. A second focus in this paper is on the use of inverse solver technologies for secondary forming operations. The paper will show how the application of inverse technology can be used to accurately and quickly develop trim lines on simple as well as on complex support geometries.

Analysis of several Boolean operation based trajectory generation strategies for automotive spray applications

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Guoyou; Jiang, Chunsheng; Chen, Tao; Hui, Chun

2018-05-01

Industrial robots are widely used in various processes of surface manufacturing, such as thermal spraying. The established robot programming methods are highly time-consuming and not accurate enough to fulfil the demands of the actual market. There are many off-line programming methods developed to reduce the robot programming effort. This work introduces the principle of several based robot trajectory generation strategy on planar surface and curved surface. Since the off-line programming software is widely used and thus facilitates the robot programming efforts and improves the accuracy of robot trajectory, the analysis of this work is based on the second development of off-line programming software Robot studio™. To meet the requirements of automotive paint industry, this kind of software extension helps provide special functions according to the users defined operation parameters. The presented planning strategy generates the robot trajectory by moving an orthogonal surface according to the information of coating surface, a series of intersection curves are then employed to generate the trajectory points. The simulation results show that the path curve created with this method is successive and smooth, which corresponds to the requirements of automotive spray industrial applications.

THE APPLICATION OF DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE BENCHMARKING PROCESS IN THE EFQM BUSINESS MODEL (CASE STUDY: AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY OF IRAN

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

K. Shahroudi

2009-10-01

Full Text Available This paper reports a survey and case study research outcomes on the application of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA to the ranking method of European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM Business Excellence Model in Iran’s Automotive Industry and improving benchmarking process after assessment. Following the global trend, the Iranian industry leaders have introduced the EFQM practice to their supply chain in order to improve the supply base competitiveness during the last four years. A question which is raises is whether the EFQM model can be combined with a mathematical model such as DEA in order to generate a new ranking method and develop or facilitate the benchmarking process. The developed model of this paper is simple. However, it provides some new and interesting insights. The paper assesses the usefulness and capability of the DEA technique to recognize a new scoring system in order to compare the classical ranking method and the EFQM business model. We used this method to identify meaningful exemplar companies for each criterion of the EFQM model then we designed a road map based on realistic targets in the criterion which have currently been achieved by exemplar companies. The research indicates that the DEA approach is a reliable tool to analyze the latent knowledge of scores generated by conducting self- assessments. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test is used to compare two scores and the Test of Hypothesis reveals the meaningful relation between the EFQM and DEA new ranking methods. Finally, we drew a road map based on the benchmarking concept using the research results.

SIAM symposium on control problems in industry

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

1994-12-31

This symposium focused on industrial control applications that have benefited from recent mathematical and technological developments. The themes featured included: applications of control techniques in aerospace industry, automotive industry, environmental sciences, manufacturing processes, and petroleum industry; optimal shape design in aerospace applications; optimal design of micro-optics; robust control and H-infinity methods.

Role of national labs in energy and environmental R ampersand D: An industrial perspective

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Vaz, N.

1995-01-01

The perceived role of national laboratories in energy and environmental research and development is examined from an industrial perspective. A series of tables are used to summarize issues primarily related to the automotive industry. Impacts of policy on energy, environment, society, and international competition are outlined. Advances and further needs in automotive efficiency and pollution control, and research roles for national labs and industry are also summarized. 6 tabs

Infrared monitoring of friction welds and adhesive bond curing in automotive manufacturing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chapman, G.B.

2005-01-01

The need for improving automotive assembly, energy-efficiency, performance, durability and quality is intensifying as customer demands and competitive pressures drive the industry toward unrelenting improvements in energy conservation, cost, quality and speed to market, without compromising the vehicle capacity, performance, appearance and affordability to which North Americans have become accustomed. This presentation describes the need for and the development and use of infrared detection methods to assure the joint quality of friction welds in thermoplastic assemblies and to monitor adhesive bond-joint curing in metal assemblies. Some remaining barriers to the wider applications of this technology in the quality assurance of joints in automotive body structures will also be presented as indicators of further research and development opportunities. (author)

The disruptive impact of digitalization on the automotive ecosystem: a research agenda on business models, platforms and consumer issues

OpenAIRE

Athanasopoulou, A.; Bouwman, W.A.G.A.; Nikayin, F.A.; de Reuver, G.A.

2016-01-01

Digital technologies are transforming the automotive industry, and disrupting traditional business models based on ownership of cars. With the emergence of connected cars, mobility services and servitization, questions arise on how these enabling technologies affect the ecosystem. In this paper, we propose a research agenda for the digitalized automotive ecosystem. In this research agenda we raise research questions on the impacts of digitalization on business models (i.e. how to move from tr...

Advanced high temperature materials for the energy efficient automotive Stirling engine

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Titran, R.H.; Stephens, J.R.

1984-01-01

The Stirling engine is under investigation jointly by the Department of Energy and NASA Lewis as an alternative to the internal combustion engine for automotive applications. The Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that offers the advantage of high fuel economy, low emissions, low noise, and low vibrations compared to current internal combustion automotive engines. The most critical component from a materials viewpoint is the heater head consisting of the cylinders, heating tubes, and regenerator housing. Materials requirements for the heater head include compatibility with hydrogen, resistance to hydrogen permeation, high temperature oxidation/corrosion resistance, and high temperature creep-rupture and fatigue properties. A continuing supporting materials research and technology program has identified the wrought alloys CG-27 and 12RN72, and the cast alloys XF-818 and NASAUT 4G-A1 as candidate replacements for the cobalt containing alloys used in current prototype engines. Based on the materials research program in support of the automotive Stirling engine it is concluded that manufacture of the engine is feasible from low cost iron-base alloys rather than the cobalt alloys used in prototype engines. This paper presents results of research that led to this conclusion

Impact of national cultures on automotive after sales services perception

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jose Albors-Garrigos

2017-09-01

Full Text Available This article clarifies the impact of national culture in the after sales service in the automotive sector. Introduction and objectives: After-sales services have become paramount in the automobile industry. However, they are not sufficiently researched, particularly in emerging markets. Here an academic gap exists because, within the automotive research literature, culture is a widely neglected issue. Thus no explicit knowledge can be applied regarding emerging markets service demand behaviour, which might be a crucial point, as some of these countries culture is different to the western culture. Methods: The research is based in a survey carried out among Chinese premium brand automotive customers. Results: It shows which individual level values are causal and positively contribute to the perception of service quality and loyalty behaviour by customers. Conclusion: The article providing a guideline how the entire process chain of after-sales services could be researched and applies successfully the individual level value theory by Schwartz. Implications and research limitation: Brand loyalty is well explained by perceived service quality significantly leads to after-sales service satisfaction, which itself is a strong predictor of workshop loyalty. Moreover, workshop loyal customers are likewise significantly brand loyal. Finally, the influence of culture is empirically verified with the one exception of after-sales service satisfaction.

Reliability in automotive ethernet networks

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Soares, Fabio L.; Campelo, Divanilson R.; Yan, Ying

2015-01-01

This paper provides an overview of in-vehicle communication networks and addresses the challenges of providing reliability in automotive Ethernet in particular.......This paper provides an overview of in-vehicle communication networks and addresses the challenges of providing reliability in automotive Ethernet in particular....

The impact of new product introduction on plant productivity in the North American automotive industry

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Gopal, A.; Goyal, M.; Netessine, S.; Reindorp, M.J.

2013-01-01

Product launch—an event when a new product debuts for production in a plant—is an important phase in product development. But launches disrupt manufacturing operations, resulting in productivity losses. Using data from North American automotive plants from years 1999–2007, we estimate that a product

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering for Magnesium in Automotive Body Applications

Science.gov (United States)

Allison, John E.; Liu, Baicheng; Boyle, Kevin P.; Hector, Lou; McCune, Robert

This paper provides an overview and progress report for an international collaborative project which aims to develop an ICME infrastructure for magnesium for use in automotive body applications. Quantitative processing-micro structure-property relationships are being developed for extruded Mg alloys, sheet-formed Mg alloys and high pressure die cast Mg alloys. These relationships are captured in computational models which are then linked with manufacturing process simulation and used to provide constitutive models for component performance analysis. The long term goal is to capture this information in efficient computational models and in a web-centered knowledge base. The work is being conducted at leading universities, national labs and industrial research facilities in the US, China and Canada. This project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP), Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

Millimeter-wave silicon-based ultra-wideband automotive radar transceivers

Science.gov (United States)

Jain, Vipul

Since the invention of the integrated circuit, the semiconductor industry has revolutionized the world in ways no one had ever anticipated. With the advent of silicon technologies, consumer electronics became light-weight and affordable and paved the way for an Information-Communication-Entertainment age. While silicon almost completely replaced compound semiconductors from these markets, it has been unable to compete in areas with more stringent requirements due to technology limitations. One of these areas is automotive radar sensors, which will enable next-generation collision-warning systems in automobiles. A low-cost implementation is absolutely essential for widespread use of these systems, which leads us to the subject of this dissertation---silicon-based solutions for automotive radars. This dissertation presents architectures and design techniques for mm-wave automotive radar transceivers. Several fully-integrated transceivers and receivers operating at 22-29 GHz and 77-81 GHz are demonstrated in both CMOS and SiGe BiCMOS technologies. Excellent performance is achieved indicating the suitability of silicon technologies for automotive radar sensors. The first CMOS 22-29-GHz pulse-radar receiver front-end for ultra-wideband radars is presented. The chip includes a low noise amplifier, I/Q mixers, quadrature voltage-controlled oscillators, pulse formers and variable-gain amplifiers. Fabricated in 0.18-mum CMOS, the receiver achieves a conversion gain of 35-38.1 dB and a noise figure of 5.5-7.4 dB. Integration of multi-mode multi-band transceivers on a single chip will enable next-generation low-cost automotive radar sensors. Two highly-integrated silicon ICs are designed in a 0.18-mum BiCMOS technology. These designs are also the first reported demonstrations of mm-wave circuits with high-speed digital circuits on the same chip. The first mm-wave dual-band frequency synthesizer and transceiver, operating in the 24-GHz and 77-GHz bands, are demonstrated. All

An overview of current situations of robot industry development

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Wu Qiong

2018-01-01

Full Text Available As an industry of emerging technology, robot industry has become one of important signs to evaluate a country’s level in science and technology innovation and high-end manufacturing, and an important strategic field to take the preemptive opportunities in development of intelligent society. Developed countries such as the USA, Germany, France and Japan have formulated their robot R&D strategies and planning in succession. China boasts good industrial foundation and has made encouraging progress in the course of development of robot technology. This paper briefly discusses the application type of robot industry and current situations of robot industry development in countries around the world, and makes detailed explanation of current situations of robot industry development in China.

Electromobility. Are the suppliers equipped for the structural change? State of the art and recommendations for action for the automotive location Stuttgart; Elektromobilitaet. Zulieferer fuer den Strukturwandel geruestet? Status quo und Handlungsempfehlungen fuer den Automobilstandort Metropolregion Stuttgart

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Stahlecker, Thomas; Lay, Gunter; Zanker, Christoph [Fraunhofer-Institut fuer System- und Innovationsforschung (ISI), Karlsruhe (Germany)

2011-04-15

The contribution under consideration examines the future viability of automotive suppliers in Baden-Wuerttemberg (Federal Republic of Germany) in terms of a technological change. The question has to be examined whether the innovation potential of the automotive supplier is adequate in order to face the potential restructuring demands successfully. The investigations show that the automotive supply industry at the top still is positioned very well. In contrast, medium-sized suppliers rather are poorly equipped regarding the challenges of electromobility. With this in mind three strategic options for companies in the automotive industry as well as for the policy were formulated. A tabular summary provides an overview on the identified bottlenecks of small and medium-sized automotive supplier in the field of electric vehicles.

Automotive fuels - environmental and health implications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lucas, A.G.

1992-01-01

This document covers papers presented to the Institute of Petroleum's conference ''Automotive Fuels: Environmental and Health Implications'' held on the 9th October 1991. This wide ranging title meant that topics covered included the biochemistry, pathology and epidemiology of automotive fuel use, combustion science, environmental chemistry and atmospheric modelling. Also discussed are the technology of fuel and engine manufacture, limiting and containing emissions and social and political aspects relating to the use of automotive fuels. (UK)

Analysis of Workplace Accidents in Automotive Repair Workshops in Spain

OpenAIRE

Antonio López-Arquillos; Juan Carlos Rubio-Romero

2016-01-01

Background: To analyze the effects of the factors associated with different types of injury (superficial wounds, dislocations and sprains, bone fractures, concussion and internal injuries, burns scalding and freezing) caused by occupational accidents in automotive repair workshops. Methods: Study of a sample consisting of 89,954 industry accidents reported from 2003 to 2008. Odds ratios were calculated with a 95% confidence interval. Results: Belonging to a small company is a risk facto...

The role of textures in the forming of automotive sheet steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sanak Mishra

1996-01-01

Crystallographic textures generally have a strong bearing on the drawability of sheet steels. Particularly in the case of automotive sheets, texture control is of paramount importance. In the last two decades, therefore, texture research has assumed much significance in the steel industry. X-ray diffraction continues to remain the most used tool for the study of textures. Early researches, from about 1940 to 1980, were invariably carried out by the pole figure method. However, for more quantitative results the ODF (Orientation Distribution Functions) analysis technique was developed. Since 1980, the ODF analysis has come to be used extensively. In the present paper, several unique features of textures in automotive grade deep drawing steels, as revealed from X-ray ODFS, will be presented. The relative importance of the various textural components with respect to forming will also be dealt with

The fuel cell: a coming technology for the cogeneration and the automotive; La pile a combustible: une technologie d'avenir pour la cogeneration et l'automobile

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

NONE

2001-07-01

In the framework of the Eco-Industries 2000 meeting, the ATEE organized a colloquium on the fuel cell use in the automotive and cogeneration industries. This book presents the six papers proposed at this colloquium bringing information on the fuel cell market, design and advantages. In the automotive domain, the fuel cell integration in the future car at Renault is presented. The PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) concept is also detailed. (A.L.B.)

Nanotechnology patents in the automotive industry (a quantitative & qualitative analysis).

Science.gov (United States)

Prasad, Raghavendra; Bandyopadhyay, Tapas K

2014-01-01

The aim of the article is to present a trend in patent filings for application of nanotechnology to the automobile sector across the world, using the keyword-based patent search. Overviews of the patents related to nano technology in the automobile industry have been provided. The current work has started from the worldwide patent search to find the patents on nanotechnology in the automobile industry and classify the patents according to the various parts of an automobile to which they are related and the solutions which they are providing. In the next step various graphs have been produced to get an insight into various trends. In next step, analysis of patents in various classifications, have been performed. The trends shown in graphs provide the quantitative analysis whereas; the qualitative analysis has been done in another section. The classifications of patents based on the solution they provide have been performed by reading the claims, titles, abstract and full texts separately. Patentability of nano technology inventions have been discussed in a view to give an idea of requirements and statutory bars to the patentability of nanotechnology inventions. Another objective of the current work is to suggest appropriate framework for the companies regarding use of nano technology in the automobile industry and a suggestive strategy for patenting of the inventions related to the same. For example, US Patent, with patent number US2008-019426A1 discusses the invention related to Lubricant composition. This patent has been studied and classified to fall under classification of automobile parts. After studying this patent, it is deduced that, the problem of friction in engine is being solved by this patent. One classification is the "automobile part" based while other is the basis of "problem being solved". Hence, two classifications, namely reduction in friction and engine were created. Similarly, after studying all the patents, a similar matrix has been created.