annual report - FIAT SpA

ELASIS
Established in 1988, at the initiative of the Fiat Group, Elasis (a consortium company) is one of the principal private
sector research centers in Europe. A leader in advanced engineering, it focuses on the development of human and
technological potential in Italy and the Mediterranean region.
The company's core activities are the research, development and testing of products and processes related to the
businesses of its consortium members. Accordingly, its activities are focused in the following areas: automobiles,
trucks, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, agricultural equipment, engines, components and production
technologies.
Elasis develops all phases of product and process engineering: from technical/economic feasibility studies to design,
production, and analysis of the impact of finished systems on the environment and local communities.
Elasis directly employs approximately 1,200 researchers and technicians, with an average age of just over 35, located
at three separate facilities: Elasis R&D in Pomigliano d’Arco (near Naples), Elasis P&PD in Orbassano (Turin) and the
Elasis Center (Lecce).
In 2010, Elasis continued its strategy of extending the research/innovation value chain and promoting local
development. This included working together in consortia with universities and private institutions on basic research
and training, continuing its traditional research on mobility and related environmental impacts. In addition, Elasis has
fostered development of the technological know-how of local SMEs, promoting collaboration on a wide variety of
projects in partnership with the association of industrial companies in Naples (Unione degli Industriali), Confindustria
Campania and chambers of commerce throughout southern Italy.
Elasis plays a central role in the competitiveness of the industrial sector of the Region of Campania. As a center of
technological excellence, it acts as a driver of development for the entire Region through the promotion of targeted
research projects and industrial initiatives involving local partners, thereby supporting and spreading a culture of
innovation and also improving the economic and social fabric of the local area.
In 2010, Elasis and CRF received recognition for the level of excellence achieved with the "National Award for
Innovation" from the Ministry for Public Administration and Innovation, instituted by the Prime Minister's Office, acting
on the mandate of the President of the Republic, to reward the best in innovation and creativity from industry,
universities, public entities and individuals and to foster a culture of innovation.
As mentioned previously, Elasis recently transferred its technical activities to the sectors, which already coordinated
design and development activities. It retains responsibility for management of the Pomigliano research facility, which
will continue to host resources and laboratories allocated to the sectors.
Further information is available at www.elasis.it.
In 2010, the principal activities and achievements included:
� Innovative product and process methodologies. Elasis continued its work on new methodologies for
product/process development aimed at supporting Fiat Group sectors in reducing time-to-market and improving the
quality of their final product.
During the year, Elasis worked to improve the realism of virtual models of the interiors and exteriors of new Fiat
vehicles. In particular, realistic gap and flush simulations (dashboard and door panels) were developed for the new
Lancia Ypsilon and the new Fiat Panda, with virtual squeak and rattle analysis also used for these models.
In the area of manufacturing methodologies, in 2010 a publicly financed integrated logistics project was
implemented, focusing on the ergonomics of manufacturing processes. This project, conducted in collaboration
with the FGA plant in Cassino, the University of Cassino and CRF, resulted in the development of innovative
methodologies for the ergonomic analysis of work stations, with interesting applications for motion capture
instruments at manufacturing facilities. Simulations of logistics flows were also carried out in addition to
applications of Augmented Reality aimed at the integrated management of problems linked to production lines,
production line supply and work stations. Finally, new virtual analysis methodologies for simulating manufacturing
processes were developed and refined (simulation of the riveting process, computer modeling of aesthetic defects
for molded components, simulation of the cooling phase in the injection molding process).
� Vehicle research. During 2010, Elasis was involved in projects relating to the new Lancia Ypsilon, the new Fiat
Panda and Ferrari's 599 GTO and 458 Spider.
In collaboration with FGA, Elasis worked on the new Lancia Ypsilon, contributing to development of the body, trim,
electrical and electronic systems, engine systems and performance enhancements. Extensive use of the most
advanced computer simulation technologies and virtual testing rather than physical prototypes enabled a
significant reduction in time necessary to achieve design freeze. The vehicle will be produced at the Fiat Auto plant
in Tychy, Poland.
For development of the new Fiat Panda, Elasis was involved in all phases of the vehicle's design, as well as
physical and virtual testing. Elasis was also responsible for body integration, packaging and design checks of
Report on Operations Research and Innovation
30