Delphi Positioned to be Single-Point Contact for Modular Solutions
1 March 1999
Delphi Positioned to be Automotive Industry's Best Single-Point Contact for Modular Solutions
TROY, Mich., March 1 -- Flexibility, simplicity and
affordability are three ways in which Delphi Automotive Systems
has positioned itself to be the automotive industry's best single-point
contact for modular solutions.
Delphi demonstrated its modular capabilities today at the 1999 Society of
Automotive Engineers Congress & Exposition in Detroit. At its exhibit, Delphi
showed five modules displayed on a single vehicle frame, including its next-
generation Integrated Cockpit Module, a Dry Interface Chassis Corner Module, a
Modular Door, a Front-End Module, and an Integrated Air/Fuel Module.
"We're taking modularity to the next level," said J.T. Battenberg III,
Delphi chairman, chief executive officer and president. "We're focused on
delivering our customers value throughout the entire vehicle and the complete
design, assembly and manufacturing process. Our integration capability, our
electrical and electronics expertise, and our global reach enable Delphi to
lead this industry trend."
Delphi's modules offer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)
flexibility, cost effectiveness, manufacturing process simplification and
affordable, one-stop shopping. They build on Delphi's extensive systems
integration capability, offering the next level of function required in a
competitive industry.
Modules are groups of components and subsystems that are arranged in close
physical proximity to each other within a vehicle, integrated into a unit that
provides a wide range of manufacturing and performance benefits. Those
benefits include cost savings, reduced inventory and a reduction in assembly
time.
Through modularization, an increasing number of OEMs are asking suppliers
to become more deeply involved partners in their business. With a long
history of systems-based products and an industry-leading portfolio that
boasts more modules than ever, Delphi is well-positioned to be the single-
point partner for OEMs worldwide, according to Battenberg.
"Customers seeking innovative solutions to their modular needs can find no
better partner than Delphi," Battenberg said. "Our technical expertise in
modular assembly is already clearly visible, but we're ready to grow stronger,
even more comprehensive partnerships with vehicle manufacturers through our
advanced modular capabilities."
Delphi's established global infrastructure ensures that its partnerships
can flourish worldwide, highlighting the company's ability to locate in close
proximity to OEM assembly plants. Doing so facilitates communication and
logistics, enabling successful participation in an OEM's just-in-time or
sequenced in-line supply preferences.
Such logistical expertise allows Delphi to support multiple module
applications at a single assembly plant. It also allows Delphi the ability to
support programs that are part of an OEM's global platform strategy.
Delphi's modules on display at the SAE '99 include:
Next-Generation Integrated Cockpit Module. Delphi's concept of its next-
generation technology represents the "next plateau" in modular cockpit supply
-- the physical and electrical/electronics integration of components and
subsystems.
With this cockpit, and with Delphi's advanced steering and chassis
technologies, OEMs will one day be able to design and manufacture a vehicle
that can be converted from left-hand drive to right-hand drive in a matter of
seconds. The end consumer, meanwhile, will be able to change the "feel" of a
ride at the click of switch.
This flexibility, along with mass, cost and packaging savings, can be
achieved through Delphi's Drive-by-Wire and Plug-and-Play technologies. The
Drive-by-Wire technologies allow for the mechanical brake, throttle and
steering components to be replaced by electrical/electronic linkages. The
Plug-and-Play technologies allow for the brake, throttle and steering
applications to be placed elsewhere in the vehicle, such as the steering arm.
Additionally, the brake, throttle and steering components of Drive-by-
Wire, in conjunction with Delphi's Collision Avoidance Systems technology,
provide vehicle compatibility with future Intelligent Highway Systems.
Dry Interface Corner Module. Dry interface brake corners developed by
Delphi Automotive Systems will contribute to revolutionizing the design and
assembly of future vehicle braking systems, according to Delphi engineers who
are refining the technology.
The self-contained dry interface corners store brake fluid and house
motor-based actuators, thus eliminating bulky hydraulic brake system
connections and components.
The units also integrate the wheel bearing, speed sensor and steering
knuckle, and offer the design flexibility to add a strut to provide a complete
brake and suspension module. They are designed to work with disc and/or drum
brake configurations, and provide quick and easy application to vehicles
during assembly.
Modular Door System. As the most advanced door design available today,
Delphi's Modular Door System integrates door hardware and door trim into a
single unit, thus simplifying both product and process for customers.
Through its high level of physical and functional integration of electro-
mechanical components and subsystems, Delphi reduces part count and provides
enhanced dimensional reliability. In certain applications, the Modular Door
System can eliminate as many as 70 percent of the total fasteners and
components that assembly plants use in a conventional-build door.
Additionally, in a typical sedan application, Delphi's Modular Door System
has one-third fewer total parts than a conventional-build door, allowing for
improved product reliability and durability. The system also reduces
ergonomic stressors for the operator.
Front-End Module. Delphi is developing a multi-function, multi-system
front-end module that represents the upward integration of front-end thermal
components and subsystems, and will be part of the company's wide range of
customized modular products.
Delphi's Front-End Module is a thermal management system-based module, but
the value and opportunity provided to the vehicle manufacturer extends far
beyond the scope of the powertrain cooling and air conditioning systems.
The Delphi Front-End Module physically and functionally integrates
components from a number of related vehicle systems. In addition to
powertrain cooling and air conditioning, these systems may include body
structure, electrical, forward lighting, fluid management and maintenance,
energy absorption and others.
Integrated Air/Fuel Modules. A leader for more than 10 years in this
technology, Delphi continues to design and manufacture Integrated Air/Fuel
Modules (IAFM) that provide customers with answers to cost, timing and
compatibility needs.
The components and subsystems that compose an IAFM, such as the intake
manifold, fuel delivery system, and air control device, are engineered to work
together in various applications. The IAFMs are pre-calibrated and pre-tested
to meet specific customers' air and fuel requirements.
Delphi designs its IAFMs to accommodate the wide range of fuels used
worldwide, as well as the next generation of fuels currently under
development. This flexibility, combined with the ability to meet exact
customer standards, helps reaffirm Delphi's leadership role in providing IAFM
solutions.
Tying the Modules Together -- Integrated Vehicle Electrical/Electronic
Systems. To take full advantage of the modularity trend, OEMs need a vehicle
architecture that allows for multiple optimized systems.
Delphi's Integrated Vehicle Electrical/Electronic Systems (IVEES) defines
the vehicle E/E architecture that integrates higher/multiple voltage
generation, storage and distribution; communication networks; control
electronics; and smart switches, sensors and actuators into an optimized
vehicle system.
This process facilitates the use of separate modular units, and provides a
framework by which Delphi can bring new functions and features into the
vehicle without re-engineering the electrical/electronic architecture. The
IVEES approach can be used to optimize the overall vehicle, individual modular
units, individual systems or subsystems. Delphi's IVEES approach to
electrical/electronic systems development makes modularization a smart and
cost-effective approach to non-traditional vehicle design and assembly.
Delphi Automotive Systems, with headquarters in Troy, Mich., USA, is a
world leader in automotive component and systems technology. Delphi's three
business sectors -- Dynamics & Propulsion; Safety, Thermal & Electrical
Architecture; and Electronics & Mobile Communications -- provide comprehensive
product solutions to complex customer needs. Delphi has more than 200,000
employees and operates 169 wholly owned manufacturing sites, 40 joint ventures
and 27 technical centers in 36 countries. Regional headquarters are located
in Paris, Tokyo and Sao Paulo. Delphi can be found on the Internet at
http://www.delphiauto.com.