Towards reconfigurable body framing systems for automotive manufacturing

The automotive industries are undergoing unprecedented transformation and to remain competitive they need to achieve and maintain world-class performance, both in product development and manufacturing. Manufacturing facilities have to possess high degree of flexibility enabling mass customization of production. Automotive companies need to achieve rapid response and cost-effective product delivery according to current market demand. A few key trends shaping automotive industry today, besides globalization, include customization and gradual growth in outsourcing of manufacturing functions. This paper reviews current practices used in automotive industry for manufacturing of vehicle bodies, which remains one of the key competencies of the OEMs. Future work in this area, leading to adoption of better practices is also outlined.