Business Case for Engine Air Filter Elements (3051)

Business case for engine air filter elements (3051)

Target group: Automotive Engineering

At Research and Development you will be a key contributor to the next generation outstanding luxury cars from Volvo. Together with other engineers around the world, you and your team will create innovative human-centric car technology that makes life less complicated and more enjoyable for people. Are you interested in design and connected car technology? Do you share our passion for people, the environment and our urge to create a superior driving experience? Research and Development is the place for you to prosper.

This thesis work will be carried out within the Air Induction System & Powertrain Mounts department, which is a part of Volvo Cars Product & Quality organization. The department consists of around 45 employees, all dedicated to develop competitive solutions for future cars in a stimulating working atmosphere, and is divided in 3 groups; Powertrain Mounts, Air Induction System and Project & Maintenance. The group Project & Maintenance is responsible for the project deliveries of Air Induction Systems and Powertrain Mounts and consists of project leaders, system verification leaders and a maintenance (quality & cost reduction) team.

Background

The highly efficient turbo charged engines in the fuel efficient cars of the future require well optimized air systems, which ensures that the engines get clean air in a lossless manner. The power you get from an engine is determined by the amount of air that flow through it. High airflow rates has to be achieved with as low pressure drop as possible, while managing the high packaging restrictions in the engine bay. The engine air also needs to be filtered from snow, water and dirt.

A good and efficient air filter is needed to ensure that the engine performs well during the full life of the vehicle. It is important to optimize its size and material choice to both fulfil filtration requirements as well as keeping cost down.

Scope

The purpose of this thesis work is to investigate the total business case for air filter elements. Air filter elements often have a low tooling investment for manufacturers of air filters. Because of this, the entry level for aftermarket suppliers are low and a Volvo Original air filter element can be produced by over 50 aftermarket suppliers. An alternative is to make the air filter element more complex and thereby raise the entry level, or by using a patent to hinder other suppliers from producing the same filter element. However, this also means that the tooling and production cost will go up.

Therefore the total business case for air filter elements, both for production as well as a service part, has to be taken into consideration and different scenarios needs to be presented. The master thesiswillinclude:

• Analysis of different types of air filter elements from a cost perspective
• Gather information regarding patents used in air filter elements
• Investigate market shares by OEM's and aftermarket suppliers
• Analysis of sales profit for air filter elements

Profile

• We are looking for students that are highly motivated and have genuine interest in vehicles and engines.
• Interest and/or knowledge of project management is considered an asset.
• Self-standing, curious and fast learning.
• Have a structured approach and ability to work independently.
• Communication skills are important since information will be needed from several parts of the company.
• Ability to see the whole picture and not only details
• Meritorious is an interest for, or courses in, vehicle technology, product development and project management.

Application

• Attach your resume and cover letter stating your interests within the given area and your thoughts and credentials.
• Please note that applications arriving later then the last application date will not be taken in consideration.
• Selection will be ongoing during the application period.

Duration

• 1 semester, 30 ECTS points
• Starting time: according to agreement, but earliest January 2018.
• Number of students: 1-2

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the position you are welcome to contact Hiring Manager; Katarina Hammarstedt, Tel:+46313257439 by email to and Supervisor; Anders Lundell (System Project Leader). Tel: +46-31-590742 by e-mail to

For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Recruiter; PedramYousefi,

We hope that our position has caught your interest and we are looking forward to your application!

Last application date

Apply at

We want your application as soon as possible, but no later than 2017-10-10

About Volvo Car Group

The future belongs to those who are empowered by a great idea and have the ability to carry it out. At Volvo Car Group, our vision is clear: "To be the world's most progressive and desired premiumcar brand" by simplifying people's lives. We have bold targets when it comes to innovation, sales and customer satisfaction and to make this happen, we need talented people onboard. People with passion, energy, business sense and the drive to innovate. People that want to create the next generation Volvo cars in a global, dynamic and respectful environment. We will support you to reach your full potential. Join us on this exciting journey into the future.