Chrysler 2009 Annual Report Download - page 51

REPORT ON
OPERATIONS
RESEARCH
AND INNOVATION
50
ELASIS
Established in 1988 at the initiative of the Fiat Group, Elasis is a limited liability consortium company. A leader in advanced engineering, it focuses on the
development of human and technological potential in Italy and the Mediterranean region. Its mission is to make a distinct contribution to the competitiveness
of the Fiat Group, its partner in product innovation and development, by applying original methodologies and creative technological solutions based on its
know-how, leveraging the skills of individuals and strengthening relationships with the research community and the local area.
Elasis directly employs approximately 1,200 researchers and technicians, with an average age of just over 35, at three different sites which, in line
with Fiat Group strategy, are located in both the north and south of Italy: Elasis R&D in Pomigliano d’Arco (near Naples), Elasis P&PD (Turin) and the
Elasis Centre (Lecce).
Beginning with industrial research, Elasis develops all phases of product and process engineering. It also has design and calculation tools, as well as virtual
and physical test laboratories, which are among the most advanced in Europe. Activities related to engines and transmissions are carried out as part of the
development projects of FPT Powertrain Technologies.
In 2009, Elasis continued its strategy of expanding the research/innovation value chain and of promoting local development. This included working
together in consortia with universities and private institutions on basic research and training, continuing its traditional research on mobility and the related
environmental impacts. Its recognised expertise has also led to its participation in many PPPs (public private partnerships) set up to focus public and
private research on areas of common interest such as industrial applications at national level (Basilicata Campus, Abruzzo, Cassino). In addition, Elasis has
fostered integration with the skill base existing among local SMEs, promoting collaboration on wide-ranging projects in partnership with the association of
industrial companies in Naples (Unione degli Industriali) and chambers of commerce throughout southern Italy.
Further information is available on the website www.elasis.it.
In 2009, the main activities and achievements included:
Innovative product and process methodologies. During the year, Elasis continued working on new product/process development methodologies for
Fiat Group Sectors aimed at reducing time-to-market and improving the quality of the final product.
Relating to body design, semi-automatic software tools (archetypes) were produced to enable leveraging of in-house expertise, transforming it into
versatile design systems to enhance the quality of 3D mathematical models and considerably reduce development times beginning from the very
initial concept phase.
The extensive use of virtual simulations enabled aspects that are normally only considered at an advanced stage of vehicle development to be tackled
much earlier, such as dynamic thermofluid flows (for new cars, as well as agricultural and construction equipment), the fuel filling system (with an analysis
of potential problems linked to fuel flowback or interruption of the filling process), and overtaking manoeuvres (with an analysis of the aerodynamic forces
at play on vehicles in motion).
Lastly, constant attention to ergonomic workstations led to the development, in 2009, of innovative methodologies at production sites and an important
“motion capturing” technique for the ergonomic analysis of manual operations on an automotive line.
Vehicle research. In 2009, research and development activities at Elasis ranged from light commercial vehicles to high-performance cars. Vehicles
included the new Fiat Fiorino, the new Fiat Doblò, the Alfa Romeo 8C Spider and the Ferrari 458 Italia.
Elasis worked on the planning, design and production launch of a CNG fuel system for the Fiat Fiorino, including installation process.
Another important achievement was the new Fiat Doblò. Developed by a joint team from FGA, Elasis and Tofas, the new Doblò aims to offer best-in-class
safety, use of space and ergonomics. This model will also be equipped with a Natural Power fuel system developed by Elasis.
For Alfa Romeo, Elasis successfully completed design and testing of the 8C Spider, an exclusive supercar whose production will be limited to 500 units.
For Ferrari, the centre was involved in the development and production launch of the 458 Italia, which is built with several innovative materials including
lithium-magnesium alloys.
Lastly, the design of bodywork and internal components for the new AC four-door sedan has been brought forward to the approval stage. This will be the
first car to bear the GAC (Guangzhou Automotive Corp.) brand and it was developed on the Alfa Romeo 166 platform, under licence from FGA.