Research: Light vehicle body structures and modules - technologies and trends

Date published: Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Tags: Exteriors, Safety, Suppliers.

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Description

The body structure comprises the essential skeleton of every light vehicle, and its design, development and production remain one of the most capital intensive areas of the automotive industry. This report examines the technologies that are being developed in this key area. It also analyses the market and legislative influences that are driving change in the sector.

Table of contents:

INTRODUCTION

MARKET DRIVERS

Safety

• Occupant protection
• Pedestrian protection

Weight

OEMS

• Cost
• Differentiation
• Manufacturing flexibility
• Time to market

Suppliers

MARKET BARRIERS & DYNAMICS

OEMs

Suppliers

Outsourcing

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENTS

Platforms

Body structures

Front-ends

• Front-end modules
• Bumper modules
• Crash cans

Wing modules

Roof systems and modules

• Sunroofs
• Panoramic roofs
• Convertible soft-tops
• Retractable hard-tops
• Multi-function systems
• Roof modules

Doors

• Rear doors

ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES

Materials

• Steel
• Aluminium
• Magnesium
• Plastics
• Hybrid construction
• Renewable materials

Hydroforming

Joining technologies

• Advanced welding technologies
• Self-piercing rivets
• Clinching
• Adhesives

Paints and coatings

• Rust-proofing
• Paint layers

Computer assisted design

BODY STRUCTURES AND MODULES SUPPLIERS

Overview

ArvinMeritor

Brose

Faurecia

Magna

Polytec/Peguform

Plastic Omnium

Stadco

ThyssenKrupp

Tower Automotive

Wagon Automotive

Webasto

voestalpine

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