6. The 1980's

In the 1980's the increased market competitiveness leads to the development and application of new materials and manufacturing processes and technologies (like electronics). The Auto Industries have new design objectives.

Enviromental question is more and more relevant and new regulamentations guide the Auto Makers towards the reduction of emissions and fuel consumption.

In this scenary one of the Industries' objectives is the weight reduction, so new alternative structural solutions are investigated.

In 1984 General motors launched the Pontiac Fiero (see Figure), qith a steel spaceframe and SMC body panels.

Pontiac Fiero (1981) - Steel Space Frame and SMC body panels (source: Calgary Fieros - 'Build a Fiero')

The main structure is made of three basic subframes (front subframe, rear subframe and floor-pan) welded together during the first phases of the assembly process. The other members are then connected in a single step, that includes the drilling of the holes for the connection with the mechanical parts.

Pontiac Fiero (1981) - Space Frame assembly process (source: Calgary Fieros - 'Build a Fiero')

In the whole process about 4000 weld points are used. The external composite panels are prepared and assembled at the end of the production line.

Even if Fiero's market success was not relevant, the innovative concept of the body structure and the assembly process was the base for many researches.