Munro & Associates CEO to Keynote SAE's Energy Saving & Emission Reduction Forum's Lightweighting Session

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Oct. 29, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- During SAE's Energy Saving & Emission Reduction Forum in Shanghai next week, Munro & Associates CEO Sandy Munro is presenting the keynote speech for the lightweighting session. Opening the session that discusses the latest design, manufacturing and material advances to promote performance-rich, lightweight, fuel efficient vehicles, Munro will discuss the highlights from his company's recent teardown and analysis of the BMW i3, the first mass-produced carbon fiber-intensive electric vehicle.

"In my opinion, the BMW i3 is the most revolutionary car in terms of creative engineering and manufacturing since Henry Ford's Model T," said Munro. "Knowing the cost and production methods BMW used for the i3 will be a strategic advantage to other automakers, as well as materials, component and manufacturing equipment suppliers."

Munro & Associates recently conducted the first extensive teardown, costing and benchmark study of the BMW i3 urban electric car to help manufacturers from a variety of industries understand this revolutionary vehicle. During his keynote presentation on Thursday, November 5 at 9 a.m. UTC+08:00, Munro will discuss key findings from the five vehicle system reports – body, rolling chassis, battery and heat exchange, powertrain and interiors – and highlight some of the production methods BMW used for the i3, as well as surprises and lessons learned from their teardown with the vehicle.

According to Munro, the BMW i3 introduced material and process technologies that have the potential to cause a paradigm shift in the automotive manufacturing sector. For example, Munro estimates the life module is comprised of approximately 90 percent carbon fiber reinforced plastics with various plastic and metal components attached throughout the assembly. Weighing 78 kilos, the life module is assembled robotically using various adhesives. Interestingly, the Class-A, high-gloss roof is made using recycled scraps of carbon fiber trim from other components.

Munro has a long history of producing teardown benchmarking studies for both the public sector and private clients, however the BMW i3 study marks the first time the company has made the reports available for public distribution. A critical component of Munro's methodology is its proprietary Design Profit® software that provides the company with the unique ability to assess virtually every aspect of the manufacturing process and its associated costs.

The SAE 2015 Energy Saving & Emission Reduction Forum will present and discuss the latest breakthroughs in both heavy-duty and light-duty vehicles regarding lightweight materials, cutting edge adaptive applications of energy efficiency and emission reduction from regulatory bodies, OEMs, tier 1 suppliers, universities and research institutions. To view the event agenda, click here: http://www.sae.org/events/pdf/eser/2015_eser_brochhure.pdf.

About Munro & Associates
Founded in 1988, Munro & Associates Inc. is a world class consulting engineering firm based in Troy, Mich. with offices in Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia. The firm specializes in upfront, predictive methods to increase profitability by improving quality, reliability and value, while reducing total lifecycle costs. The Munro team delivers in-depth knowledge in product design, manufacturing, quality and technologies from a broad selection of industries. For more information, visit www.leandesign.com.

SOURCE Munro & Associates, Inc.

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