Audi ramps up virtual production at new centre

摘要

Audi has opened a E∪D40 million pre-production centre that will make vehicle manufacturing more efficient. It will make heavy use of virtual-reality techniques to verify leaner manufacturing processes earlier in development. The aim is to use virtual-reality techniques to ensure the vehicle design develops in parallel with development of the manufacturing processes. Engineers can then resolve problems before committing to any expensive tooling. Audi production chief Frank Dreves said: "To manufacture more efficiently, we must start addressing production-related concerns in the prototype phase." The OEM stands to make substantial savings in its manufacturing investment over the next seven years as it expands its range from 27 to 40 vehicles.