CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
11 March 2008
Company News
Exa Corporation and FKFS Partner to Create the Center for Digital Vehicle Development
Exa® Corporation, a global supplier of simulation software and technologies for product development optimization and FKFS (Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines Stuttgart) jointly announce the creation of the Center for Digital Vehicle Development. The Center’s charter is to actively focus on bridging the gap between physical and digital engineering; proactively work with vehicle manufacturers to explore ways to enable fully-integrated digital simulation as part of their product development process; foster the education of tomorrow’s engineer; and finally, investigate design for manufacturability simulation.
The continuous demand for automotive manufacturers to offer a wide variety of vehicles faster, with shrinking budgets and increasing requirements can only be addressed by heavily incorporating digital simulations throughout all levels of product development engineering. Because of these industry factors, it became clear to Exa and FKFS that they should formalize their partnership and create a Center that collaboratively and proactively addresses these issues. “It is part of our obligation as leaders in this field to fund research and development that will ease and enhance the adoption and full integration of digital simulation,” comments Steve Remondi, President and CEO for Exa Corporation. “FKFS is the only partner we would consider in this venture with their unique combination of a prestigious university affiliation (University of Stuttgart), world-class staff, extensive physical testing facilities and state-of-the art simulation capabilities.” Remondi continues, “I have every confidence this Center will drive future engineering practices and help vehicle manufacturers realize and utilize the depth of information that simulations provide.”
Known globally for his expertise in vehicle research, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jochen Wiedemann, member of the board of FKFS, comments further, “At FKFS, we recognize the strategic importance of digital simulations in the vehicle development process and are pleased to be working with Exa, the leader in this field, to further develop and broaden applications for digital design.” Wiedemann continues, “This center will address tomorrow’s expansion today by optimizing and validating new applications where digital development can make significant impact on product engineering.”
Although the Center for Digital Vehicle Development will initially focus at FKFS on the following projects, these will evolve with industry demands and perceived need. First areas to be addressed include:
- Vehicle Dynamics and Driver Response
- Soiling and Water Management
- Aerodynamics
- Wind Noise Transmission
- Buffeting
- Thermal Management
The Center is already formulating projects with major auto manufacturers. “Our goal of creating this Center is already being recognized by industry leaders,” remarks Exa’s Steve Remondi. “The depth of the potential impact of digital design is just beginning to be tapped. It is our sincere hope that this Center will be a resource for global manufacturers for years to come.”
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