Application of modularity in world automotive industries: a literature analysis
by Ahm Shamsuzzoha, Petri T. Helo, Tauno Kekale
International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (IJATM), Vol. 10, No. 4, 2010

Abstract: Nowadays global auto industries are implementing considerable changes in their production lines, which lead to increased competition and shorter product life cycles. Producing a variety of products with higher quality and less cost could ensure more customer satisfaction. All automotive industries especially car manufacturers are required to increase their market segment with corporate profit to ensure cost related objectives and success over competitors. It is therefore essential for auto firms to reconsider their product development methodology in order to fulfil the objectives. The focus of this paper is to investigate the pros and cons of the concept of modularity that can be applied in auto industries in order to improve the product development processes. Modularity is gaining increasing importance in manufacturing firms recently; especially in auto industries. Modular product structures ensure real improvements and provide considerable benefits for the business firms such as reduced time to market, increased product variants, improved product quality, reduced Bill-Of-Material code etc. However, the concept of modularity has some limitations too. In this paper, a general overview of modularity, its application and prospects in auto industries along with its limitations are discussed.

Online publication date: Fri, 01-Oct-2010

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management (IJATM):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com