Munich, Germany and Paris July 24, 2001 Trivial fact: That blue-and-white BMW logo is actually a stylized airplane propeller. Non-trivial fact: BMW is moving ahead in its quest to more efficiently design its luxo-cars. To that end, IBM and Dassault Systemes have announced that BMW Group has selected CATIA Version 5 (V5) for the design, analysis and manufacture of chassis systems.
The first phase of the project will be a pilot implementation to prepare for the future group-wide introduction of CATIA V5 at BMW. The pilot will run parallel to the existing CATIA V4 architecture, with gradual rollout within the chassis development department. The agreement includes the purchase of both CATIA and ENOVIAVPM software, run on IBM and other workstations, to create and manage the design of chassis systems for upcoming premium passenger cars. BMW Group expects substantial improvements in product development time with the implementation of CATIA V5.
CATIA V5 enables engineers to streamline the development process and gain efficiency in managing revisions, thus ensuring high-quality 3D prototypes. CATIA V5 addresses criteria defined by BMW engineering for its new vehicles, including high-performance modification capabilities that help increase productivity when designing chassis parts. CATIA V5 provides the technology, including parameterization, for quick design modifications of components. CATIA's product line covers needs from drafting and design-in-context, through analysis and digital mock-up.
In the coming years, BMW engineers plan to use CATIA V5 to develop new chassis parts, and exchange them electronically within the company and with its suppliers. In late 2001, BMW Group will integrate ENOVIAVPM into its existing PDM system to manage the designs of CATIA-designed parts. Implementation of ENOVIAVPM will also enable the management of multiple links between designs, and give engineers in the company's Chassis Department the capability to work with other departments and selected suppliers.
Klaus Schaefer, director of worldwide digital enterprise sales, IBM Product Lifecycle Management, said, "The selection of CATIA V5 is the latest milestone in our long-standing relationship with BMW Group. For more than a decade, we have worked hand-in-hand to contribute to giving BMW's car development processes a competitive advantage in the automotive industry. CATIA V5 and ENOVIAVPM Product Lifecycle Applications will further support innovation throughout the entire product creation pipeline of this premium automobile manufacturer."
Said Etienne Droit, executive vice-president, sales and marketing, Dassault Systemes, "The decision taken by BMW Group to use CATIA V5 for chassis design is the result of extensive studies on the reduction of cost and cycle times, and confirms CATIA Solutions' leadership in the automotive industry."
