Assembly - February 2009 - (Page 36) Automotive Assembly plans to cut the premium in half over the next couple of years.” Even if the market is still a little hesitant, many automakers and suppliers are betting on a green future. The long-term goal is to create a line of economical, fuel-efficient vehicles powered by alternatives to the traditional internal combustion engine. “We’re in hot pursuit of anything related to fuel efficiency and green technology,” says Larry Stockline, president of Promess Inc. (Brighton, MI). His company is involved in developing the new engine that will be used in the Chevy Volt, which will be assembled at a new plant in Flint, MI. “Green cars represent new opportunities for suppliers,” Stockline points out. “I expect to see many new patents on the horizon and tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs.” Green Components Many different parts play a role in improving fuel efficiency, including electric motors, inverters, batteries, battery monitoring units, continuously variable transmissions, semiconductors, sensors, cooling systems and wiring harnesses. As manufacturers scramble to develop environmentally sensitive products, engineers will need to find innovative ways to cost-effectively assemble the new breed of components that are demanded by the green car revolution. According to Bernd Hense, the head of Daimler’s advanced development center for powertrain and interior engineering, green car success depends Automotive suppliers are ramping up production of lithium-ion batteries. Photo courtesy Continental AG During the next five years, automakers will invest heavily in battery R&D efforts. Photo courtesy General Motors Corp. Take Process Control to the next level Simple or Sophisticated … Get exactly the amount of Process Control that you need TAUMEL ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS Telephone: (845) 878 - 3100 Smart … Smarter … Smartest … www.taumel.com 36 ASSEMBLY / February 2009 www.assemblymag.com http://www.taumel.com http://www.taumel.com http://www.assemblymag.com
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