Phase 1 of the ALLIANCE Lightweight Open Innovation Challenge is drawing to a close and lightweight innovators have until February 1st to perfect and submit their innovative lightweight solutions.
The winners will get technical support throughout the period of the Lightweight Open Innovation Challenge and have the opportunity to pre-assess the feasibility of their technology in a virtual vehicle model. They will also get the chance to present their results in a dedicated side-event at the Aachen Body Engineering Days 2018, and have the opportunity to bring their technologies to a board of the six ALLIANCE OEM’s (Daimler, Opel, Toyota, Volvo, Volkswagen, CRF- the Research Centre of FCA).
The challenge, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by finding innovative and affordable solutions to lightweight cars, has been created by Europe’s key car manufacturers; Daimler, Volvo, Opel, Toyota, Volkswagen, CRF – the Research Center of FCA; suppliers (Thyssenkrupp, Novelis, Batz, Benteler) and knowledge partners (Swerea, Inspire, Fraunhofer LBF, RWTH-IKA, KIT-IPEK, University of Florence, Bax & Company, Ricardo).
The ALLIANCE partners are inviting innovators to participate in this competition and present their lightweighting solutions in two categories: Materials, and Manufacturing.
Participants will get technical support throughout the competition period and will have the opportunity to pre-assess the feasibility of their technology in a virtual vehicle model used in the ALLIANCE project.
A jury of industry professionals will judge the solutions on three criteria: technology quality, vehicle applicability, and complementarity with ALLIANCE. Submitted technologies will be included in all dissemination activities of the ALLIANCE project and presented to an extensive technical group of potential customers.
Bax & Company, who are overseeing the challenge said, "It's a great opportunity for Europe's innovators to work with some of the biggest car manufacturers in the world."