Understanding Vehicle Benchmarking

In the rapidly evolving world of automotive engineering, understanding the competitive landscape is paramount. Benchmarking, in its essence, is the process of measuring and comparing the performance, features, and cost of a product or process against industry best practices or leading competitors. For the automotive sector, this means dissecting vehicles to understand not just what makes them tick, but how they are engineered, manufactured, and priced, ultimately driving innovation and informed decision-making. This article delves into the core concepts of automotive benchmarking, exploring the specialized role of FEV benchmark centers and the broader impact of global benchmark centers.

FEV Benchmark Centers: A Deep Dive into Vehicle Anatomy

FEV (Forschungs- und Entwicklungszentrum), a renowned engineering firm, operates specialised benchmark centers that go beyond surface-level analysis. These facilities are crucial for gaining a granular understanding of vehicle technology, particularly for identifying cost drivers and innovative solutions. The process begins with a meticulous disassembly of vehicles, focusing on key systems that significantly influence cost and performance. These often include:

• High-Voltage (HV) Batteries: The heart of electric and hybrid vehicles, understanding battery chemistry, cell design, thermal management, and pack integration is vital.
• Fuel Cell Systems: For hydrogen-powered vehicles, the intricate components of the fuel cell stack, balance of plant, and hydrogen storage systems are critically examined.
• Electric Drive Units: This encompasses the electric motor, power electronics (inverter, converter), and transmission, analysing their efficiency, power density, and integration.
• Power Electronics: Beyond the drive unit, other power electronic components like onboard chargers and DC-DC converters are assessed for their efficiency and thermal performance.

During disassembly, every part is meticulously documented. Professional photographs capture the essence of each component, providing visual context for the subsequent data collection. This is followed by the creation of a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM). This BOM is not merely a list of parts; it includes crucial data points for each component, such as material, supplier, manufacturing process, and estimated cost. The level of detail is such that exploded views are generated, offering a clear, three-dimensional understanding of how components are assembled and interact within a system. This detailed breakdown allows engineers to pinpoint design choices that contribute to performance, cost, or complexity.

The insights gathered are then translated into detailed technical assessments by FEV's engineering experts. These assessments span from the overall system architecture down to individual component specifications. Reports and databases are populated with critical information, including system layouts, key design criteria, and important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). For instance, an analysis of an electric drive unit might detail the motor winding configuration, the type of rotor and stator materials, the cooling strategy, and the efficiency map across various operating speeds and loads. Upon customer request, FEV can conduct additional in-depth analyses, tailoring the benchmarking process to specific research questions or development needs. This could involve detailed material analysis, failure mode testing, or specific performance validation.

Global Benchmark Centers: Catalysts for Innovation

While FEV benchmark centers focus on deep technical dives, global benchmark centers adopt a broader perspective, serving as hubs for understanding emerging technologies and identifying new market opportunities. The automotive industry is in a state of profound transformation, driven by innovative technologies that are reshaping mobility solutions worldwide. As traditional, or 'legacy,' products see their market share decline, new and innovative technologies are simultaneously creating significant new business opportunities.

Global benchmark centers act as crucial facilitators in this transition. They provide customers with direct access to the latest technologies, showcased on original hardware. This hands-on approach is invaluable. By being able to see, touch, and discuss existing solutions, engineers and business strategists can gain a tangible understanding of what is possible. This direct interaction often sparks novel ideas and accelerates the development of tomorrow’s innovations. It’s about more than just knowing a technology exists; it’s about understanding its practical implementation, its potential benefits, and its challenges.

These centers help customers navigate the complex technological landscape. They facilitate the understanding of new technological paradigms, assist in identifying business opportunities arising from these shifts, and support the development of innovative technical solutions. By leveraging the comprehensive benchmarking results available through these global networks, companies can gain a competitive edge, make more informed strategic decisions, and ultimately, unlock new avenues for growth and profitability in the dynamic automotive market.

The Synergy Between FEV and Global Benchmarking

The work carried out at FEV benchmark centers and the broader activities of global benchmark centers are not mutually exclusive; rather, they are highly complementary. FEV's detailed component-level analysis provides the foundational data and technical understanding that informs broader strategic decisions. The insights gained from dissecting a competitor's latest electric powertrain, for instance, can be directly used to inform product development strategies discussed and conceptualised at global benchmark centers. Conversely, the trends and emerging technologies highlighted at global centers can direct the focus of FEV's detailed dissection efforts.

Consider the development of a new electric vehicle. Global benchmark centers might identify a growing trend towards silicon carbide (SiC) power electronics due to their superior efficiency and thermal performance. This insight would then lead FEV's benchmark centers to prioritise the detailed analysis of SiC inverters and converters in competitor vehicles. The resulting BOM and technical assessment would provide the specific data needed to understand the cost, performance, and integration challenges associated with adopting SiC technology, thereby enabling informed design decisions.

Key Benefits of Automotive Benchmarking

Engaging in robust benchmarking activities offers a multitude of benefits for automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and technology developers:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary goal of a benchmark center like FEV's?
The primary goal is to conduct detailed technical analysis of vehicles and their components to understand design, cost, and performance drivers, facilitating competitive intelligence and product development.

Q2: How do global benchmark centers differ from specialized centers like FEV's?
Global benchmark centers focus on showcasing emerging technologies and identifying broader market opportunities, often through hands-on interaction with original hardware, while specialized centers perform deep-dive technical dissections.

Q3: What kind of data is typically included in a benchmark vehicle's Bill of Materials (BOM)?
A benchmark BOM usually includes part identification, supplier information, material composition, manufacturing processes, and cost estimations.

Q4: Why is vehicle disassembly important in benchmarking?
Disassembly allows for the detailed examination and documentation of individual components and their integration within systems, revealing critical design choices and cost factors.

Q5: How can companies benefit from participating in benchmarking activities?
Companies can benefit from cost reduction, performance improvement, accelerated innovation, better strategic decision-making, and risk mitigation.

In conclusion, automotive benchmarking, whether through the detailed dissection at FEV benchmark centers or the broad technological exposure at global centers, is an indispensable tool for any organisation aiming to thrive in today's competitive and rapidly changing automotive industry. It provides the knowledge and insights necessary to innovate, optimise, and strategically position oneself for future success.