Even when product developing cars, it is seldom self evident how to split the problem. Shall we follow details, that is components, or function?
Take the car example in the figure. The instrument panel belongs to interior and attached is the steering column, which is important to the function of the steering system (a chassis component). Further the behavior of the steering column is decisive for the cars crash performance. Should the steering column belong to interior, chassis, or some other group?
What really complicate things are that so many components by their function are coupled to each other and to the car brand value. It is this complexity that the figure tries to convey and that makes automobile development so interesting.
It is not unusual to divide a car as shown in the figure. The different parts can be subdivided further.
One can follow different principles. The one chosen in this case is reminiscent of a BOM, "bill of materials", which is often the basis for a WBS, "work break down structure". This works fairly well when doing simple product development with semi static concepts, as in the automotive industry, but is less useful for new product development.
Another way of viewing a chassis is from an abstract theoretical point of view.
One is then only interested in geometry, mass distribution, stiffness and damping. That yields all information needed for simulation of chassis mechanical characteristics.
