Title: A case study on modularity in product development and production within the auto industry

Authors: Paulo A. Cauchick Miguel, Sílvio R.I. Pires

Addresses: Departamento de Engenharia de Producao, Escola Politecnica, USP, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, trav. 2 no 128, Cidade Universitaria, 05508-900 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. ' Programa de pos Graduacao em Engenharia de Producao, FEAU, UNIMEP, Rod. SP 306, km 1, 13450-000 Santa Barbara d'Oeste, SP, Brazil

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to study modularity regarding production and design. It presents a single case study conducted in a company that produces trucks and bus chassis. The article discusses current design activities since it has become a priority due to the decision to install SKD operations or complete plants in other parts of the globe and the collaborative development of a new vehicle. The company evolution is compared with the theory in addition to the implications for new product development. Finally, some concluding remarks are drawn as well as the implications of this work.

Keywords: modularity; new product development; NPD; modular design; modular consortium; automobile industry; automotive design; vehicle design; modular production; modularisation; collaboration.

DOI: 10.1504/IJATM.2006.012123

International Journal of Automotive Technology and Management, 2006 Vol.6 No.3, pp.315 - 330

Published online: 22 Jan 2007 *

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