- 11,231 attendees flood to new Stuttgart Messe for Expo
- Advanced new dynamics technologies showcased
- Higher volumes and reduced costs mean technology drip feed to medium and small car segments
Vehicle Dynamics Expo, the world’s leading annual exhibition dedicated to the vehicle dynamics industry, has today highlighted the growing trend for manufacturers to adopt high-end suspension technology in volume products.
The show attracted 11,231 attendees to its outstanding new Stuttgart Messe location, where the industry exhibited and discussed the latest technology available to vehicle dynamics practitioners.
"Up until now, advanced dynamics technologies have been the preserve of high-end and niche vehicles", says Tony Robinson, CEO of UKIP Media & Events, the company behind the Expo. "It’s clear that technology such as adaptive suspension is coming to a showroom near you soon; in affordable volume vehicles."
Many exhibitors at the show highlighted the benefits brought about by rising volumes and refined manufacturing processes and the resulting affect that this has had on reducing costs.
Continental AG showed its latest generation closed-loop air suspension system, the cost of which has been reduced by 25% compared to its predecessor. Andreas Rohde, Continental’s director of suspension systems says:
"Aside from increasing volumes, savings have been achieved through a combination of measures involving all system components, including the relocation of ECU production to Manila, Philippines; a new design of airspring gator that allows a cheaper material to be used with no performance sacrifice; and the standardization of parts across different compressor units."
Another exhibitor, Tenneco, was showcasing its Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension (CES) that has recently been fitted to cars such as the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat CC. Speaking at Vehicle Dynamics Expo, Sandro Paparelli, vice-president of OE sales and program management, said: "Our Kinetic H2 CES system is going on a high-end sports car from 2011, and we have another development contract for it.
Sporty SUVs are the next segment we want to target with it because it really adds value compared to a simple anti-roll system. However, our objective with CES is to make the cost so attractive that you can put it on C- and even B-segment cars."
Similarly, Michele Spina, product development and innovation director at Magneti Marelli, which was exhibiting a number of advanced suspension technologies, says: "Magneti Marelli will be competing aggressively on price and targeting B- and C-segment applications. We think there will be a dramatic increase in the market for these products in the future."
Automotive Testing Expo 2008, Engine Expo 2008, Vehicle Dynamics Expo 2008, Crash Test Expo 2008, European Automotive Components 2008 and International Engine of the Year Awards 2008 are organised by UKIP Media & Events.
UKIP Media & Events organise 15 highly success international trade shows a year in the transportation sector, in Europe, United States of America and Asia.
-Peter Haynes-
More reports from this category all copyright automobilsport.com.
