Lightweight Construction in Focus

Lightweight construction – an indispensable topic for the mobility of tomorrow, which was agreed upon at the Lightweight Construction Summit of the Automotive Industry. However, apart from the resource-saving, energy-efficient properties, it is necessary to continue convincing customers.

“Weight remains one of the central parameters in automotive engineering, as it influences not only the efficiency of a vehicle, but also its longitudinal and lateral dynamics as well as crash safety,” according to the key statement of the “Automotive Industry Lightweight Construction Summit 2020”. This topic plays a significant role especially for electromobility. Lightweight construction measures increase range and are indispensable with regard to affordable, resource-saving, CO2-neutral mobility.

When looking at the city vehicles of all manufacturers that are powered by electricity, one trend is clearly recognizable: size. Increasingly smaller vehicles present manufacturers with the challenge of making control and entertainment systems lighter and lighter, so that they still find sufficient space while not neglecting safety aspects. (see “Mini E-Mobiles and Their Operating Safety“). Thus, the challenge of lightweight construction is extended by that of safety.

AUDIO MOBIL embarked on this path years ago by considering a significant weight reduction of up to 50% when installing the Power Sound System. While often 14 or more loudspeaker boxes are installed in the vehicle interior, AUDIO MOBIL succeeds in minimizing the number to 8 or fewer while simultaneously increasing performance through clever technology.

These and other approaches become essential in the development toward lightweight construction. In addition, usability will play a major role in this context. After all, when reducing space, clear and appealing operation must not be forgotten.

Image: Stefan Bausewein