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

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.