The article explored how alternative drivetrain solutions such as the hybrid, fuel cell and the battery electric drivetrain can be integrated in to the conventional mass-production system in the automotive industry by the utilisation of the modular design and production principle. The first part of the article investigated the structure of the automotive production system and examined how modular and platform based design and production is conducted. The second part of the article discussed how the modular production principle could be utilised in order to facilitate the development and integration of alternative drivetrain solutions. The article argues that modularised design and production of alternative drivetrains can potentially enable vehicle manufacturers to choose a flexible design path that allows multiple solutions to be developed simultaneously, and thereby allow for strategic change during design stages in the event of substantial or revolutionary technological development. Vehicle manufacturers that chose to concentrate activities around designing the hybrid drivetrains may therefore be able to reuse components and systems such as batteries, high voltage wiring, electric motors and brake regeneration system if, for example, the development of the battery electric vehicle or the fuel cell vehicle progress faster than expected. The technical linkages between the alternative drivetrains additionally allow vehicle manufacturers to benefit from technological discoveries made in competing drivetrains. The article finally conclude that since the implementation of alternative drivetrains in mass-produced vehicles has not yet occurred, it is too early to place a final judgement on the success or failure of the modular strategy. The analysis of the four examples however indicates that a potential exist.
Modularised eco-innovation in the auto industry
Journal of Cleaner Production ; 19 , 2/3 ; 212-220
2011
9 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 55 Quellen
Article (Journal)
English
Impact of modularised production on product design in automotive industry
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