Automotive Manufacturing Trends in China and Other Countries

摘要

Development in engines,bodies and in manufacturing methods for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles is taking many different forms throughout the world. This paper addresses auto-body design and manufacturing strategies and the range of metals and composites in use or being contemplated to reduce vehicle weight,maintain strength and achieve lower costs. It is clear that the potential for further reduction in both mass and cost is small unless the entire structure of the vehicle is altered. A new approach to the structural design of vehicles and to the manufacturing methods used is the only way to achieve a significant reduction in overall vehicle mass without a dramatic increase in cost. In china,if a low enough selling price can be achieved,the demand for utilitarian vehicles in the countryside and smaller cities could be enormous. A concept for the basic design of a vehicle and the development of a widely distributed manufacturing system is suggested. To build such a vehicle in sufficient numbers,a new industry would be created; new equipment and manufacturing techniques would evolve as well as training and education initiatives taken to create a skilled workforce.