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 Consistent delivery of high-quality material and serviceCorus materials and vehicle engineering expertise have helped to deliver weight and cost benefits to UK-based manufacturer LDV. LDV approached Corus to undertake a number of studies to help identify weight-reduction and vehicle-assembly improvements prior to the launch of its new MAXUS range of light commercial vehicles. Corus was able to offer the support of its Automotive Engineering Group, based in Coventry, which specialises in developing innovative vehicle-engineering solutions using the latest thinking in materials and manufacturing technologies. Corus carried out gauge optimisation studies to help identify weight-saving opportunities, while maintaining the vehicle’s body stiffness and performance characteristics. The studies resulted in a 15kg per vehicle weight saving, without detriment to the robust body and chassis structural targets for MAXUS. This was no easy task, as MAXUS is 20 per cent stiffer than the company’s existing range. Clearly, the ideal time to employ this unique approach is before vehicle launch, so that savings can be introduced before capital expenditure for production tooling has begun. | |
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