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This work is developed in the framework of an industrial R&D project, titled ARIA (Active Responsive Intelligent Aerodynamics), having the main goal to improve the efficiency of a vehicle by introducing active aerodynamics supported by innovative actuation systems. The work focuses on the development of a new aesthetic Active Grille Shutter (AGS), which, differently from the currently marketed vehicles, does not include the presence of a grille in front of it. In addition, an innovative actuation system, based on the adoption of Shape Memory Alloys (SMA) is being investigated for the new AGS, with the main goal to exploit the advantages arising in terms of increased efficiency coupled with a marked weigh reduction. The proposed analysis aims, at first, at evaluating the effects of different AGS configurations on the drag coefficient, Cx, of the vehicle and on the related benefits.

As the automotive industries require new cost efficacy and high quality assembly systems, COMAU, in cooperation with Centro Ricerche Fiat, is developing a car body laser welding production device based on the Nd:YAG multifibre concept. The laser welding system is composed by an high power Nd:YAG laser source, a modular beam distributor operating with short switching time, a series of fibres and focusing heads integrated with the assembly device; a special device to monitor the quality of the spot is integrated inside the laser system. A modular optical multiplexer system and innovative focusing optics, suitable for different laser spot shapes, have been developed. An example of application on a car body sub-assembly is given and preliminary results of the investigation are presented.