Sustainable, Innovative, Cost-Effective, Lightweight Roof Design for Automotive Commercial Vehicle

2026-26-0293

To be published on 01/16/2026

Authors
Abstract
Content
The automotive industry is progressively concentrating on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and safety, prompting the necessity for innovative design solutions. This paper presents the development of a groundbreaking lightweight Roof assembly for commercial vehicles, focusing on the essential aspects of roof strength and crash compliance. The proposed design notably reduces weight while enhancing structural integrity, strength and overall safety, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly and efficient automotive components. Our research employs comprehensive finite element analysis (FEA) alongside rigorous real-world testing to validate the design's performance. These evaluations demonstrate the roof assembly's ability to withstand significant impact and deformation, ensuring robust safety standards. In addition to performance assessments, we conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to evaluate the economic viability of the design. The analysis underscores the potential for substantial cost savings in material and manufacturing, which can drive widespread adoption in the commercial vehicle sector. Moreover, the study emphasizes the alignment of the Roof assembly with industry standards for sustainability and innovation. By integrating advanced design and joinery techniques to create Impact load path, the assembly not only meets but also exceeds expectations for environmental impact reduction and energy efficiency. This innovative approach highlights the feasibility of creating automotive components that harmonize ecological responsibility with practical application. In conclusion, this paper illustrates a significant advancement in automotive design, showcasing a roof assembly that transcends current industry benchmarks for sustainability, innovation, cost-efficiency, and safety. The findings advocate for the broad adoption of such innovative solutions, paving the way for the future of sustainable automotive engineering.
Meta TagsDetails
Citation
Pandey, S., Navsariwala, P., and Ganesan, B., "Sustainable, Innovative, Cost-Effective, Lightweight Roof Design for Automotive Commercial Vehicle," SAE Technical Paper 2026-26-0293, 2026, .
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
To be published on Jan 16, 2026
Product Code
2026-26-0293
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English