The global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Electromobility is driving greater drivetrain diversity, while shifting supply chain structures and a worsening shortage of skilled labour are intensifying the pressure. But it’s not just external conditions fuelling this change – the vehicles themselves and the way they’re built are being fundamentally reimagined.
Attend this event to gain a comprehensive perspective on the current changes and future developments in car body production: from material and technology innovations to advanced methods of process control and quality assurance.
Key Topics Covered:
The need for fewer, larger body components
- Car bodies are shifting to large-format structural parts for efficiency.
- If widely adopted, 50–70% of today’s body components could become obsolete.
Impact on SMEs
- Many current parts may no longer be needed, risking lost business and jobs.
- Requires a full rethink of materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes.
Logistics and footprint
- Oversized parts are inefficient to transport; production must move closer to final assembly lines.
- Existing facilities (e.g., press hardening) aren’t built for these dimensions.
- Calls for major capital investment and targeted workforce upskilling tied to new locations.
Automation, AI, and talent
- High automation and deep technical expertise are essential to run new lines efficiently.
- AI will be increasingly necessary as process complexity grows.
- Human expertise remains foundational—AI models still rely on well-trained specialists.
Join us to help shape the future of car body manufacturing and turn these challenges into opportunities!
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Agenda
September 24 2025
9:00 am Registration and Networking
9:30 am Welome by Dan Stewart, Automation Alley and Christian Kovacs, Leading Insights SRL
9:40 am Business Overview, Russell Zarra, Fraunhofer USA
10:00 am Presentations Begin
1:10 pm Lunch
2:20 pm Presentations Resume
4:40 pm End of Day 1
September 25 2025
9:00 am Registration and Networking
9:30 am Presentations Begin
12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 pm Presentations Resume
4:50 pm Event Concludes