Chrysler 2008 Annual Report Download - page 31

Report on Operations Research and Innovation30
research centre whose activities are focused on technology
innovation, complete vehicle development, mobility and its
environmental impact, and traffic safety.
In October 2008, Elasis acquired Comau’s Engineering division
in Turin. Its sites now include Elasis Research & Development
in Pomigliano d’Arco, Elasis Product & Process Development in
Turin, and the Elasis Centre in Lecce. With approximately 1,200
employees, Elasis is equipped with sophisticated computer-
aided design and measurement tools and advanced physical
and virtual testing equipment which result from its significant
capability in the development and management of information
systems. At Elasis, as at C.R.F., work on engines and
transmissions is carried out as part of Fiat Powertrain
Technologies’ development projects.
In 2008, Elasis continued in its strategy of creating new links in
the research/innovation value chain and of promoting local
development. In pursuing this goal, Elasis worked together
with consortia of universities and private institutions in basic
research and training, continuing to sharpen its focus on the
issues related to mobility and its environmental impact.
In addition, Elasis collaborated with the Naples trade
association and chambers of commerce in Southern Italy to
help SMEs in the areas to leverage and transfer their existing
competencies.
Further information is available on the Centre’s website:
www.elasis.it.
During the year, significant achievements were made in the
following areas:
Innovative methods for products and processes. During 2008,
Elasis developed new product and process methodologies for
Group Sectors, with the aim of reducing development time and
cost and improving end-product quality.
For example, the Centre continued to work on vehicle
dynamics design, realistic simulation of vehicle interiors,
workplace ergonomics and biomechanical analyses. In the
latter area, the Elasis Biomechanic & Passenger Protection
Centre contributed to passenger safety enhancements for the
new Lancia Delta with a dual pre-tension seat belt system,
modified sidebag and optimized window-bag, all of which
helped the new model achieve a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
Elasis also developed a 3D graphics solution based on
advanced DMU digital mock-up methods that will enrich the
Fiat service network’s manuals with interactive graphic models.
This solution has now been applied to the new Lancia Delta
and the Alfa Romeo MiTo, making Fiat Group Automobiles the
world’s first automaker to provide its service network with such
a capability.
Vehicle research. Highlights in this area included
development of the new Fiat Qubo and the Alfa 8C Spider
design.
Featuring two sliding rear side doors and reconfigurable
interior, the Fiat Qubo is practical and economical, with
excellent fuel mileage and CO2emissions of only 119 g/km. To
achieve this, body shell weight was minimized using computer
modelling and multiobjective structural optimizers which made
it possible to use thinner gauge (and hence lighter) sheet metal
with no loss of strength.
For the 8C Spider, like the earlier Coupé version, Elasis was
responsible for development of the body and
electrical/electronic systems, as well as having overall
responsibility for systems integration and virtual vehicle
development.