Better ride and comfort, enhanced safety, reliability and durability, lower running cost as well as cost of ownership continue to be challenges for automotive OEMs. Higher fuel efficiency is considered as USP not only for lower running cost but also is hygiene factor from sustainability point of view. This has necessitated the need for Augmenting Light weighting horizon in automotive OEMs. Augmenting this leads to invention of innovative materials and processes for emerging cost competitive market.
This paper focuses on technology efforts towards augmenting light weighting Horizon in Automotive. Light weighting concepts being explored by OEMs with the help of automotive component manufacturers from Powertrain - Engines & Transmission, Chassis and Suspension are discussed. The Innovative concepts and case studies covered include Hollow Crankshaft and Camshafts, PM gears, composite / bimetallic brake drum, steering knuckle & leaf spring, hollow Anti Roll Bar (ARB) & Front Axle Beams (FAB), high strength polymers for fuel tank etc.