Terminology: Pilot Model vs Prototype

[4xWriter]

A thread below on "mules vs prototypes" leads me to another question, one that we auto historians hotly debate. In the writing game, the terms, "Pilot Model" and "Prototype" are often interchanged. I think there would be distinct differences between the two but since we seem to have a fair number of industry types here, maybe they would offer some perspective based on industry standards.

Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive

 

[GregLocock]

I've never worked for a company that used the phrase "pilot models".

We used to have pilot builds - typically in most places that was a dedicated final assembly line where a run of say 50 to 300 cars were assembled. These would be fairly late in the program, say a year before Job #1. The parts would be off tool.

Those cars were used for certification, long lead press cars, marketing, and so on. Oh and possibly to fix one or two little problems.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[MikeHalloran]

What Greg means by 'off tool' is that they would be made on actual production tooling.

Pilot runs, in any sort of manufacturing, are used to work out the bugs in the production process, as opposed to ...

Prototypes, which may be made by completely different processes, and are used to work out the bugs in the product.

Pilot product usually looks very much like real production product. Prototypes usually have noticeable, sometimes major, differences.

Of course, none of that is written in stone or in law, so writers are free to interpret it differently.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[GregLocock]

They are fairly cheap cars, but often not of marketable quality (and they aren't homologated anyway), so they often form the basis of the mules/bucks/prototypes for the next program.

I have an issue with that, but that's internal company politics.

Cheers

Greg Locock

SIGlease see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[WGJ]

My first job in the motor industry was in the UK "Pilot Plant" of one of the major companies.
And the plant's job was --- to produce 'pilot builds' using the production assembly tools and processes, using the production intent vehicle components.

The object was not just to see whether the parts went together OK but to also test the jigs, fixtures, welders, assembly aids and the methods set out for production.

As Greg said, the vehicles made this way were often finally used for press reviews and demos. The last group of pilot builds of a model were often road-registered.

Bill

 

[4xWriter]

Bill: When I worked for Land Rover (not in engineering), the term "Preprod" was often used as well.

Mike, Greg: You mirror my current thoughts precisely, though I have often used the terms incorrectly to follow "convention." Thanks.

Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive

 

[WGJ]

Jim - which magazine do you write for, or are you freelance?

Bill

 

[4xWriter]

Bill: Freelance, fulltime for more than 15 years. For the past 4 ears, have also worked a (small) farm on the side for fun and (small) profit.

Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive

 

[WGJ]

So, are you "Four wheelers bible" and "Jeep performance handbook"?
I have a desire for a 110 or a 200TDi Discovery, but I don't think the neighbours would like me attending to it in the drive.......

Bill

 

[4xWriter]

Bill: I am those books, among others, and a couple of thousand magazine articles. One of these days, I'll actually become proficient!

Jim Allen
Keeping the Good Old Days of Four-Wheeling Alive