Body Structure Contribution for Automotive Energy Efficiency Improvement - INOVAR Auto Program

The new Brazilian automotive regulation, INOVAR, states aggressive energy efficiency targets until 2016 to vehicles sold in Brazil. Many engineering solutions shall be done and implemented by Automakers to adequate current and new vehicles to INOVAR requirements. The Body Structure represents about 40% of vehicle mass and it is fundamental portion of energy efficiency study. The biggest body structure engineers challenge is provide mass reduction changes without jeopardize legal requirements and structural vehicle performance such as: Safety, Reparability, Torsional and Bending Stiffness, Durability, etc. Either Automakers or Suppliers manufacturing have an important task supporting Product Engineers on new parts development with different materials, shapes and joining. The contribution of Body Structure mass reduction for Internal Combustion Engines vehicles is not enough to achieve targets because new Program establishes smaller Energy Consumption for lighter vehicles. However, Body Structure mass reduction is necessary to allow Secondary vehicle changes like: Rolling resistance, Friction Reduction and Engine technologies such as: Multiple valves, Variable valve actuation, Engine downsizing, Start Stop Systems. Body Structure mass reduction requires new material which impacts either Brazil suppliers or Automaker manufactures.