Abstract
Vehicle testing is seen to have the dual purpose of ensuring customer satisfaction and increasing engineering design experience and knowledge.
The techniques used vary in accordance with the objectives of the investigation. Research and development test methods are designed to assess the achievement of product performance objectives and to provide information to guide engineering design.
Specific examples of tests, instrumentation and analysis used in relation to vehicle durability, noise, ride and handling, heating and ventilating systems, and engine cooling systems are included. Importance of overseas testing to evaluate vehicle behaviour in various environments is stressed.
Production validation testing of vehicles built by production methods, prior to new model introduction date, is designed to ensure that performance specifications, vehicle reliability and quality targets are satisfied.
Quality control testing is designed to ensure that product objectives are maintained. Test methods are simple and results are interpreted on a ‘Go/No-Go’ basis.
Testing continues throughout the model life to assist in correlating warranty claims and customer complaints with the test methods used in product evaluation.
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