IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO INTRODUCE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION LINES

Authors

  • Liebrecht Otto Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University
  • Theuns Dirkse van Schalkwyk Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4565-8765
  • Cornelius Schutte Schutte Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7166/31-1-2282

Keywords:

Hybrid vehicles, high-voltage, automotive, implementation, technology, e-mobility, safety, quality, standards, framework

Abstract

In 2016 Mercedes-Benz SA introduced hybrid vehicles into their East London factory, pioneering high-voltage automotive manufacturing in the country. When the implementation decision was made, the factory was given less than a year to introduce this potentially dangerous new technology at a level that met stringent international safety and quality standards, against a backdrop of a lack of applicable local legislation. This study creates a framework whereby future high-voltage automotive projects can be introduced safely, effectively, and efficiently. The implementation framework for automotive technology (IFAT) was validated against the data of Mercedes-Benz’s C350e Plug-in Hybrid Project, and aims to support the local automotive industry in its preparations for e-mobility.

Author Biographies

Liebrecht Otto, Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

Plant Project Leader

Theuns Dirkse van Schalkwyk, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

Industrial Engineering

Lecturer

Cornelius Schutte Schutte, Department of Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University

Industrial Engineering

Professor

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Published

2020-05-29

How to Cite

Otto, L., Dirkse van Schalkwyk, T., & Schutte, C. S. (2020). IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO INTRODUCE HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES INTO AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTION LINES. The South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 31(1), 110–121. https://doi.org/10.7166/31-1-2282

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 1 (2020)

Section

General Articles

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