Body in White

We set the framework

Body development at the highest level for the mobility of tomorrow.

Our body in white division stands for innovative solutions and tailor-made developments that meet the ever-increasing demands of the automotive industry. With a deep understanding of the complex requirements in terms of cost and weight optimization as well as flexibility in installation space, we develop body solutions that meet the highest standards and are convincing in both series production and concept projects.

Andre Simmer
Andre Simmer

Head of Body in White

Our body developments focus on important vehicle components such as doors & flaps, platforms and support structures. In addition, we develop customized solutions for battery housings, sealing and cooling systems that meet the special requirements of electromobility and sustainable vehicle concepts. Greenhouse structures, CMS systems and consulting services are also part of our range of services in order to provide our partners with comprehensive support.

By using modern materials such as high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and plastics, we create pioneering multi-material designs that enable an optimal combination of stability, safety and weight. These materials open up new perspectives, but also present us with challenges that we meet with our extensive experience and the continuous development of our expertise. Our interdisciplinary approach and our ability to think outside the box are key to seamlessly and safely integrating innovative support structures into the overall vehicle.

With a dynamic team that can draw on many years of experience and in-depth knowledge in series and concept development, we offer you not only solutions, but also comprehensive partnerships on the way to optimum vehicle concepts. As an innovative engineering service provider for the automotive industry, we always have our finger on the pulse and are ready to master the challenges of today and tomorrow with first-class expertise.

ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We develop all body components – from body-in-white structures and the outer skin to doors and flaps to platforms, the greenhouse and superstructures to battery housings, support structures, sealing systems and HV systems. Our spectrum covers both concept and series development for small and large series.

We accompany you through the entire development process: from early concept development to series production. In doing so, we bring over 30 years of experience in automotive development, from premium passenger cars and complex electric platforms to hypercars and commercial vehicles, and always keep our finger on the pulse.

In the field of bodywork, we rely on common CAD systems such as CATIA (V5/V6) and NX as well as tools for data management. In addition, we work directly in our customers' system landscapes on a project-by-project basis and use OEM-specific tools and methods – for example, for the package and installation space process (e.g. LTA) or reference point systems (RPS). This allows us to ensure seamless integration into existing development processes.

With our experienced view of the bigger picture, we ensure that the supporting structure fits perfectly into the overall vehicle. In doing so, we take into account installation space variance, performance requirements and the interaction with other vehicle components – from the concept phase to series production, always taking into account economic and technological requirements.

As a lightweight construction specialist for mixed construction, csi combines various materials such as high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and plastics in one body structure. This combination makes it possible to achieve weight and cost targets while optimizing strength and performance. The challenge lies in the selection of suitable joining techniques and joining sequences.

Yes, we have many years of know-how in the design, development and validation of battery housings, battery systems and HV systems. In doing so, we work closely with our Electrics/Electronics division to develop optimal solutions for low- and high-voltage systems. 

More about Electric/Electronic

We combine material optimization, structural design and modern calculation methods. Through the use of high-strength steels, aluminum, magnesium and plastics, as well as topology optimization and innovative design processes such as gigacasting, we achieve ambitious weight targets without compromising on safety and stability. 

More about simulation