Vehicle technology for manufacturers and OEMs

    From development to series production

    AL-KO VT as a partner for vehicle manufacturers

    AL-KO VT develops chassis, suspension components and technical solutions for manufacturers of recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles and trailers. We support OEM partners from technical design and engineering via testing and homologation through to series production.

    This approach combines development expertise, testing capabilities and manufacturing know-how with a broad portfolio of components and systems.

    AL-KO VT for OEM partners at a glance:

    • Development of components, assemblies and chassis solutions
    • Variant engineering and customer-specific adaptations
    • Space analysis and consulting for mounting and assembly
    • Development and testing up to series production readiness
    • Testing of components, assemblies and complete vehicles
    • Support with homologation, brake calculations and type approvals
    • Lightweight construction know-how for weight-optimised vehicle concepts

    From Requirements to Series Solution – Together

    OEM projects place a variety of demands on available space, weight, driving characteristics, body and production volume. AL-KO VT therefore supports vehicle and body manufacturers throughout the development process.

    1. Define requirements
      At the start of the project, the vehicle concept, intended use and technical framework conditions are agreed. Together, we define the requirements for chassis, suspension, space, body and relevant interfaces.
    2. Develop and design solutions
      Our engineering team develops components and complex assemblies ready for series production. This includes, for example, the development of product variants, space analysis and the design of chassis and suspension components.
    3. Adapt design to vehicle and body
      The technical solution is tailored to the respective vehicle concept. AL-KO VT also supports you with questions regarding assembly, body integration and customised product variants.
    4. Test and validate
      Components, assemblies and finished products are tested under defined conditions. Our range of services includes, among others, pendulum tests, wheel nut retention tests, fatigue tests, performance tests and custom validation trials.
    5. Support homologation
      AL-KO VT assists OEM partners with technical questions regarding homologation. Depending on the project, this may include, for example, brake calculations and type approvals.
    6. Transition to series production
      Following design, testing and approval, the solution is transferred to series production. Our development, procurement and manufacturing structures allow different project and production scales.

    Technical expertise for vehicle and body manufacturers

    • Development and engineering
      AL-KO VT develops components and complex assemblies for a range of vehicle concepts. Variant engineering makes it possible to adapt existing technical solutions to specific requirements.
    • Chassis and suspension
      A major focus lies on chassis and suspension technology. This includes, among other things, the design and development of caravan chassis and solutions for different vehicle and body concepts.
    • Space analysis and body integration
      Space is often a key factor in many vehicle projects. AL-KO VT assists with analysing available installation space and with alignment between chassis, components and body.
    • Testing and vehicle trials
      In our technology centre, individual components, assemblies and complete products are tested. The testing infrastructure is also available for independent vehicle tests and project-specific special tests.
    • Lightweight construction
      Weight-optimised designs provide greater flexibility for vehicle, body and payload. AL-KO VT continuously develops lightweight concepts further and tailors platforms to the demands of specific vehicle concepts.
    • Driving safety
      Suspension technology influences driving stability, comfort and overall vehicle behaviour. For this reason, AL-KO VT develops and tests systems specifically tailored to the respective vehicle type and its requirements.

    Bespoke vehicle solutions for a range of applications

    AL-KO VT’s development and manufacturing expertise covers established recreational vehicles and commercial vehicle concepts as well as specific applications and new mobility solutions.

    Potential areas of application include for example:

    • Recreational vehicles and motorhomes
    • Caravans and trailers
    • Commercial vehicles and commercial trailers
    •  bespoke vehicle and body concepts
    • Special vehicles and new mobility solutions

    Depending on the project, existing components can be adapted, or tailored chassis, suspension and system solutions can be developed.

    Developing bespoke solutions together

    Does your vehicle concept require specific chassis, suspension, space or body solutions? AL-KO VT will support you with technical design and will jointly develop a tailored solution ready for series production.

    Request CAD data for your design

    Do you need CAD data of our components for your technical planning and integration? You can directly request the necessary product data from AL-KO VT via the CAD request form.

    Frequently asked questions about partnering with AL-KO VT

    The exact process depends on the scope and technical requirements of the project. Typically, the path leads from defining requirements through engineering and technical design to testing, validation and series production readiness.

    Yes. Our technical development covers both existing product variants and customer-specific adaptations and tailored solutions. This may include, for example, variant engineering, space analysis and consulting on mounting and assembly.

    The required production quantity depends on the solution and project. In the area of special vehicles, AL-KO VT has the structures for different production batch sizes. Existing reference projects range from small series to an annual output of up to 20,000 units.

    Yes. Early coordination makes it possible to consider requirements for space, suspension, chassis, and body already during engineering design.

    Yes. AL-KO VT has its own test facilities for components, assemblies and vehicles. Available tests include, for example, pendulum tests, wheel nut retention tests, fatigue and performance tests as well as custom trials.

    Our technical range of services includes homologation consulting, brake calculations and the provision of type approvals for the corresponding product range.

    Talk to us about your vehicle project

    Are you planning a new vehicle, want to further develop an existing platform or do you require a bespoke technical solution? Discuss your requirements with our experts at an early stage.