Something we don't consider regarding all the fasteners in our cars. They are selected based on cost, engineering design parameters and installation by a robot. Press-lock fasteners install faster than threaded fasteners.
The fasteners are selected specifically to fit the tooling installed on the end of a robot. The auto manufacturer purchases an "Assembly system" based on speed of assembly, the robot's ability to run 7-24, and that can handle a range of the available fasteners. The designer is given a catalog of approved fasteners that they must design with. Imagine how much more a car would cost if a worker actually had to operate a screwdriver to install a panel fastener!

 

Tru, dat. E.g., Aston Martin. I guess it's the price we pay for a lower cost. But you can still get a robot with an air wrench to screw in a bunch of bolts in an area where fastener failure will cause problems.

I don't care so much if the engine cover isn't held down quite as securely because a few fasteners are gone or broken (yes, it's not ideal). But I certainly care if the under-tray starts hanging down a couple of inches - London has speed bumps like teenagers have pimples, and I could very easily tear the damn thing off and do untold damage. That's the sort of place where plastic fasteners are a numnutz idea.

 

I am quite sure that many here on the Jaguar Forum has not seen how the XK/XKR automobiles are built. At Jaguar the XK/XKR is built over a 2 week period. Robotic constuction is 60% of the build, while the remaining 40% is hand built.

I seriously doubt that robotics install the fasteners that we are discussing in this thread.

So if you have some time on your hands, and own an XK/XKR or are even considering buying one of these beautiful automobiles, do yourself a favor, and spend some time viewing the following links provided. I honestly believe after seeing these videos you will have a different opinion on how our cars are built. Jaguar is not a GM, Chrysler or Ford. When I owned my 2012 Camaro RS, it was built in Ontario, Canada and it took only 1 day to put it all together vs Jaguar's 2 weeks.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we own an automobile that is truly something special.

Check these out. Be sure to watch in the sequence I have provided......




Enjoy, you will be glad you spent some time watching.

 

To me, a modern Jaguar is sort of a cross between a handbuilt car and a mass-produced robot-made car. Pretty special!