The environment in which all automobile manufacturers and their suppliers operate today is marked on the one hand by very high competitive pressure and on the other hand by strict quality demands imposed by the customers. Auto bodies, and especially their lightweight construction, is becoming increasingly important in relation to fuel consumption. The international conference of body shell experts was devoted to this theme. On the way to the auto body of the future, in recent production years much has changed in relation to the materials and tools used, improved dimensional accuracy and surface quality. In this, the most important aims have been to reduce both production costs and vehicle weight. For developers, lightweight body construction means safety and the selection of suitable materials, for planners economy, and for producers technical feasibility.
展开▼
