%0 Journal Article %T Flexibility Challenges in Automotive Assembly, An Approach to Stay Competitive %J International Journal of Industrial Engineering and Management Science %I University of Hormozgan %Z 2409-1871 %A Diffner, Björn %A Björkman, Mats %A Johansen, Kerstin %D 2018 %\ 06/01/2018 %V 5 %N 1 %P 34-40 %! Flexibility Challenges in Automotive Assembly, An Approach to Stay Competitive %K Automotive %K flexibility %K mixed model assembly %K platform %K Modularity %R %X The undergoing adaptation of mass customization, alongside the development and demand for new power trains, is challenging themanufacturing system of automotive manufacturers. This, in combination with demands from emerging markets and constantlydecreasing product lifecycles, calls for increased flexibility. Based on the research findings, key flexibility types for the automotiveindustry were identified as Mix, New Product, Modification and Volume flexibility. To achieve these flexibilities, the mixed modelassembly, modularity and platform strategies are identified as important factors. A generic BOP as part of the platform strategy iscentral to enable transferring of production %U https://www.ijiems.com/article_82117_e2fab846fc05deb26e65fd08a75e96b8.pdf