Focus on lightweight construction

Lightweight construction - an essential topic for the mobility of tomorrow, as everyone agreed at the automotive industry's lightweight construction summit. But apart from the resource-saving, energy-efficient properties, customers still need to be convinced.

"Weight remains one of the key parameters in automotive engineering, as it not only influences the efficiency of a vehicle, but also its longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as crash safety," was the key message of the "Automotive Industry Lightweight Design Summit 2020". This topic plays a particularly important role for electromobility. Lightweight construction measures increase the range and are indispensable with regard to affordable, resource-saving, CO2-neutral mobility.

If you look at the city runabouts from all manufacturers that run on electricity, one trend is clearly recognizable: size. As vehicles become smaller and smaller, manufacturers are faced with the challenge of making operating and entertainment systems lighter and lighter so that they still have enough space without neglecting safety aspects. (see "Mini e-mobiles and their operating safety"). The challenge of lightweight construction is thus extended to include safety.

AUDIO MOBIL embarked on this path years ago by considering a significant weight reduction of up to 50% when installing the Power Sound System. While 14 or more loudspeakers are often installed in the vehicle interior, AUDIO MOBIL has succeeded in minimizing the number to 8 or less and at the same time increasing performance through clever technology.

These and other approaches will be essential in the development towards lightweight construction. Usability will also play a major role in this context. Finally, when reducing space, clear and appealing operation must not be forgotten.

Picture: Stefan Bausewein