Virtual design 

Over the years, the Group has strengthened its capabilities in the efficient use of virtual reality, as demonstrated by the reduction in development times and waste achieved in the design and development of the latest models, as well as the continual increase in quality standards.

The virtualization tools and methodologies initially utilized in the Automobiles business have been shared and successfully applied by all Sectors. At 31 December 2010, Fiat Group had more than 15 virtual rooms in Italy and another 6 worldwide, through which Group designers and technicians, as well as partners and suppliers, were able to collaborate in real time despite being located at considerable distances from each other, which contributes to cutting environmental emissions from business travel.

In addition to product design, the Group has also created virtual reality rooms and tools for research and design of production, logistics and technical assistance processes and infrastructure, which has improved efficiency and working methods for employees, as well as workstation ergonomics. The entire product life cycle is now evaluated and optimized through the use of virtual tools. This ranges from the optimization of plant layout and full simulation of all production processes (press, body welding, assembly, painting) through to electronic, paperless distribution of service manuals.