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Lighter without compromising on performance Electromobility is the talk of the global automotive industry. Whether or not the new drives will catch on as quickly as expected, is a controversial subject among experts. One thing is certain, though, lightweight design is "in" and, more than ever before, it constitutes an important competitive factor. However tomorrow's car may be propelled, it must be lightweight to keep energy consumption to a minimum and still be safe and comfortable to drive. Suppliers' innovative ingenuity is required precisely for these reasons. Development activities at Brose have long focused on optimizing consumption by reducing weight and improving energy efficiency – in all product areas. New materials and production procedures along with the increased integration of functions in door, closure and seat systems have enabled the international automotive supplier to reduce the weight of its systems and components by 30 to 50%; simultaneously increasing functionality, without lowering standards of safety and comfort.
Lightweight Design
Weight reduction over the past 10 years
By using new materials and techniques as well as the increased integration of functions in door, closure and seat systems, Brose has succeeded in reducing the weight of its systems and components considerably over the past ten years
Door systems: formed parts with maximum integration of functions In view of the increasing pressure on prices and the multitude of options available for new models, the modu-
lar design plays a significant role in the automobile industry. In the vehicle door, stringent mechanical requirements have to be reconciled with increasing functionality and the necessary reduction in weight.
Brose is considered the inventor of the modular door. Over the past 20 years, the door system with wet/dry side separation has become established as the technical standard: all principal door functions are combined within a single system on a module carrier to form a pre-tested and ready-to-fit unit which is delivered just-in-sequence to the automobile manufacturers’ assembly line. Having produced more than 120 million door systems, Brose is the most experienced manufacturer in series production and is world market leader in this product area. Which material provides the most benefit for the OEM and the greatest efficiency in the specific project? These are the deciding criteria when selecting material for the module carrier. The supplier therefore keeps the necessary resources and processes for the development, manufacture and supply of the various door system designs to hand.