Thursday, 17 March 2016

Making Sense of Chaos

Andrew Marsh – Making Sense of Chaos – 28 April 2015

Around 40 members and guests attended the Holiday Inn Brighouse for another high octane, turbo charged presentation from Auto Industry Insider’s Andrew Marsh.

Andrew started with an overview of platform engineering – using the same basic platform for several different models in a manufacturers range. The principle was actually introduced by Fiat in the 1970’s, but is now prevalent across all major manufacturers.

For example, the same platform is used by BMW for the E81, E82, E87, E88, E90, E91, E92 and E93 models, being the same from the front to the B post. This gives huge economies of scale in development and construction of vehicles, as well as creating a simplified construction and supply chain, configured to maximise profits.

The same platform is used for the current 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-series models, along with the X3 and X4 variants – Andrew’s advice is to look past the skin and think about what is underneath.

3D printed parts are also set to make a serious appearance in the coming years, already used widely in the development of new vehicles, there will be a move to the repair market with repairers having the ability to print new parts on demand. In an interesting parallel, GE have just obtained permission to install 3D printed parts in their aero engines, showing the versatility of the process and how it is likely to quickly work it’s way into the aftermarket.

Andrew then moved on to a whistle stop tour of the various advances in construction methods and challenges in repair as a result from several manufacturers including Volvo, Mazda, VW Group (including Audi, Bentley and Porsche), Mercedes, Ford and Vauxhall.

The audience was then given a glimpse of the Toyota fuel cell car, only ever destined to be sold in small numbers and with the cost underwritten by the Japanese government, but a glimpse into the sort of car that may well be a common sight on our roads in the next decade or so.

Returning to BMW, Andrew looked at the forthcoming new 7-series, which makes use of carbon fibre within the body shell to reduce weight by around 40kg over more traditional construction methods. With carbon fibre reinforcing the B and C pillars, sills and cant rails, it will be interesting to see what the published repair methods are for this model. While the 7-series may sell in relatively low numbers, the expectation is that this technology will filter down through the model range into vehicles that are sold in much greater volumes.

With other manufacturers embracing similar technology, well trained and accredited technicians remain a must, underpinning the importance of BS10125.

After a short break, Andrew turned to developments in vehicle electronics and the technology that is being fitted to the latest vehicles – and what is planned for the next generation.

The meeting closed with Regional Chairman Ivan Marriott thanking Andrew for another fascinating and rewarding presentation, leading the traditional show of thanks.

Dave Foster.

IAEA Yorkshire Region Secretary.