Munro & Associates CEO to Discuss BMW i3 Material and Lightweighting Success at SAE World Congress Tech Hub

AUBURN HILLS, MI -- April 16, 2015: At next week's SAE World Congress in Detroit, CEO Sandy Munro and Mark Ellis, senior associate, of Munro & Associates, Inc. will discuss the material and lightweighting findings from his company's extensive teardown of the BMW i3. During his informational, interactive discussion at 11:30 a.m. on April 21, Munro and Ellis will share the BMW i3's notable use of carbon fiber, including key aspects such as the manufacturing of the vehicle's carbon fiber life module, its polymer components, recyclability and safety.

According to Munro, with its extensive use of carbon fiber, the BMW i3 introduced material and process technologies that have the ability to radically change the automotive manufacturing sector, as well as the aircraft, high-speed train, household appliance, computer and cell phone industries. During his presentation, Munro will discuss what his company's extensive teardown and costing analysis uncovered and how it can be applied to future manufacturing processes and applications.

For example, Munro estimates the life module is comprised of approximately 90 percent carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) with various plastic and metal components attached throughout the assembly. Weighing 78 kilos, the life module is assembled robotically using various adhesives. Interestingly, the Class-A, high-gloss roof is made using recycled scraps of carbon fiber trim from other components. Further, instead of visible CFRP, the interior is trimmed primarily with Class-A surface combinations of polymers, leather and natural fiber reinforced plastic.

Munro has a long history of producing teardown benchmarking studies for both the public sector and private clients, however the BMW i3 study marks the first time the company will make the reports available for public distribution. A critical component of Munro's methodology is proprietary software that provides the company with the unique ability to assess virtually every aspect of the manufacturing process and its associated costs.

Munro's presentation is part of the SAE World Congress Tech Hub, which will use a series of interactive activities to provide concise, impactful exposure to truly innovative ideas and concepts, all geared towards examining the influences on future designs. Munro's presentation is part of the SAE TechTalk series, which are short, informational presentations that strive to be transferable, thought provoking, and even disruptive.