Lightweight solutions

S-in motion: Proven savings

S-in motion is not just about saving weight. A conscious effort was made to ensure that the solutions identified were also safe, strong, and sustainable. The following tests and simulations were carried out:

• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Dent, crash and stiffness assessments
• Forming and assembly simulations
• Risk assessments
• Industrial forming and assembly sequence validation

Reductions in emissions

The baseline S-in motion car used for the LCA study had a typical lifespan of 200,000 km and fuel consumption of 6.6 litres/km. The results of the LCA showed that:

• During the use-phase of the vehicle’s life, CO₂ eq emissions would be reduced by 13.5%. Combined with the savings during the production phase, that equates to a reduction of 1,749 kg of CO₂ eq for each S-in motion BIW.
• There was a 15% reduction in CO₂ equivalent (eq) emissions during the production of an S-in motion BIW. This is largely attributable to the superior environmental properties of the PHS and AHSS steels used in the S-in motion catalogue of solutions.

The savings translate to a reduction in CO₂ eq emissions of 6.2 grams/km for S-in motion vehicles. This is a significant saving for car makers who are under increasing pressure to reduce the weight of the vehicles. For example, European car makers face penalties if their vehicles exceed European Commission limits from 2012.

Global warming potential of S-in motion BIW and closures