Chrysler 2009 Annual Report Download - page 52

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Research and development in the area of road safety included a series of initiatives by Elasis such as innovative driver assist systems that alert drivers if
they have exceeded the alcohol limit or are exhibiting signs of tiredness. As part of those initiatives, a number of partnerships were formed with medical
component suppliers for the transfer of new medical technologies to the automotive sector.
For drink driving, a prototype for continuous monitoring of a driver’s blood alcohol level was created and a series of test conducted to compare the
measurement data generated by that system against those recorded using official measuring instruments. Analyses and initial tests are also being
conducted on devices to prevent drivers from “dozing off”.
Electronic control systems. Elasis continued development of instruments for the design and simulation of electrical systems for the Fiat Group. This
included support to Fiasa and Chrysler. In particular, a new design tool was created that can automatically generate electrical circuit diagrams based on
existing design data. The new tool was tested on a pilot project and then, in November 2009, was officially adopted by FGA for all new projects.
For CNH, the Virtual Tractor was also used for the first time. This “hardware-in-the-loop” simulator, designed to test software used in on-board control
units, forms part of the Model Based Engineering (MBE) project. This methodology, already in wide use in the automotive sector, offers all the advantages
of developing and validating control software in a virtual environment, making the process both faster, compared to creation of physical prototypes, and
more reliable, as testing is performed in laboratory conditions.
The Fire family. Elasis was involved in engineering the production process for the Fire MultiAir engine, which is being used for the first time in the Alfa
MiTo (105, 135 and 170 hp models).
Small Gasoline Engine. Elasis also continued work on the Small Gasoline Engine (SGE), which will enter production in 2010 (in both turbo-charged and
naturally-aspirated versions) and provides a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
C635 transmission. Lastly, the C635 transmission was tested and the MT version (manual) went into production. Elasis also continued work on
development and application of the dual dry clutch version, whose first application will be on the Alfa MiTo in 2010.
ICT for product/process development. Elasis continued to play a key role in supporting Fiat Group companies in the definition of methods and
solutions for product development and related processes. Its involvement in Product Lifecycle Management initiatives and, more generally, in the Virtual
Product Development programmes of CNH, FPT and Iveco, saw Elasis make a significant contribution to the standardisation of ICT solutions and cross-
sector sharing of best practice aimed at fostering innovation and commercial competitiveness.
Also of note was the creation of archetypal structures and software automation procedures capable of incorporating design know-how into CAD models,
and support in the development and standardisation of product data configuration, definition and management solutions.
Finally, to facilitate the activities of C.R.F. and Elasis, the ICT department undertook a large-scale implementation and roll out of the latest communications and
real-time collaboration methodologies and technologies which will enable maximum effectiveness of innovation and research activities and the management
of geographically dispersed teams to best leverage the available expertise.