Chrysler 2010 Annual Report Download - page 54

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ELASIS
Established in 1988, at the initiative of the Fiat Group, Elasis (a consortium company) is one of the principal
private sector research centers in Europe. A leader in advanced engineering, it focuses on the development of
human and technological potential in Italy and the Mediterranean region.
The company’s core activities are the research, development and testing of products and processes
related to the businesses of its consortium members. Accordingly, its activities are focused in the following
areas: automobiles, trucks, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, engines,
components and production technologies.
Elasis develops all phases of product and process engineering: from technical/economic feasibility studies to
design, production, and analysis of the impact of finished systems on the environment and local communities.
Elasis directly employs approximately 1,200 researchers and technicians, with an average age of just over 35,
located at three separate facilities: Elasis R&D in Pomigliano d’Arco (near Naples), Elasis P&PD in Orbassano
(Turin) and the Elasis Center (Lecce).
In 2010, Elasis continued its strategy of extending the research/innovation value chain and 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 related environmental impacts.
In addition, Elasis has fostered development of the technological know-how of local SMEs, promoting
collaboration on a wide variety of projects in partnership with the association of industrial companies in Naples
(Unione degli Industriali), Confindustria Campania and chambers of commerce throughout southern Italy.
Elasis plays a central role in the competitiveness of the industrial sector of the Region of Campania. As a center
of technological excellence, it acts as a driver of development for the entire Region through the promotion of
targeted research projects and industrial initiatives involving local partners, thereby supporting and spreading
a culture of innovation and also improving the economic and social fabric of the local area.
In 2010, Elasis and CRF received recognition for the level of excellence achieved with the “National Award for
Innovation” from the Ministry for Public Administration and Innovation, instituted by the Prime Minister’s Office,
acting on the mandate of the President of the Republic, to reward the best in innovation and creativity from
industry, universities, public entities and individuals and to foster a culture of innovation.
As mentioned previously, Elasis recently transferred its technical activities to the sectors, which already
coordinated design and development activities. It retains responsibility for management of the Pomigliano
research facility, which will continue to host resources and laboratories allocated to the sectors.
Further information is available at www.elasis.it.
In 2010, the principal activities and achievements included:
Innovative product and process methodologies. Elasis continued its work on new methodologies for
product/process development aimed at supporting Fiat Group sectors in reducing time-to-market and
improving the quality of their final product.
During the year, Elasis worked to improve the realism of virtual models of the interiors and exteriors of new
vehicles. In particular, realistic gap and flush simulations (dashboard and door panels) were developed for
the new Lancia Ypsilon and the new Fiat Panda, with virtual squeak and rattle analysis also used for these
models.
In the area of manufacturing methodologies, in 2010 a publicly financed integrated logistics project
was implemented, focusing on the ergonomics of manufacturing processes. This project, conducted in
collaboration with the FGA plant in Cassino, the University of Cassino and CRF, resulted in the development