Euro Coach exceeded aggressive time constraints by applying advanced engineering resources to the development of the new Euro Coach prototype exhibited at the Euro Bus Expo 2008 in November.

Applied has used the combined skills of it PLM solutions and Engineering services divisions to help Euro Coach go from concept to working prototype in 3 months using digital product development techniques.

MD of Euro coach, Paul Gribben said. “There are always two critical elements in a technical partnership: team collaboration and the application of technology.

“Our collaboration with Applied has been a success because the two teams engaged with great passion and energy during this intense period, not an easy challenge when Craft and Hi-tech cultures are brought together!

“Euro Coach has used it partnership with Applied to make a step change in its business to become a vehicle component and system integrator. This business strategy, to concurrently develop with several component and system suppliers across Europe, all using Dassault Systèmes CATIA technology, has been crucial in this first project and a major element of our strategic roadmap.”

Applied provided Euro Coach with design to manufacture software, full engineering support and methodology together with Finite Element Analysis studies to construct the new vehicle digital model, including styling, derivative development and interior and exterior panel designs. Applied’s engineering resources were also used to liaise with suppliers and to maintain digital model and physical prototype synchronisation.

Applied’s Managing Director Shaun Clark commented, “Applied supplied an engineering team to manage the design-to-prototype production process for Euro Coach. Following its launch at Euro Bus Expo, the 3D digital model will be loaded into PLM software to facilitate integration with the Bills of Materials, ERP and ordering systems as well as the development of variants as the first vehicles go to production.”

Shaun added, “Applied’s Engineering services and software tools for driver and passenger ergonomics will be deployed using 3D data for sales and marketing departments and supplying advanced information to spares and assembly managers and dealers”

He concluded, “With the right mix of software and engineering support from Applied, Euro Coach has been able to develop a world beating new prototype in record time. The software, engineers and methodology deployed on this project represent the absolute best in class to grant Euro Coach a route to successful

development, production, marketing and through life service for its current and future vehicles”