Industry Analysis

Video interview: Maplesoft enables simulations on real-time platforms Paul Goossens, Maplesoft Vice President, Engineering Solutions, discusses his company's simulation capabilities. Read full story

Video interview: Evonik demonstrates 1.5% FE improvement with patented COMB polymers Doug Placek, President of Evonik Oil Additives USA, provides details on the company's new lubricant viscosity-index improvers and how they can fit into OEMs' strategies to improve fuel economy. Read full story

Video interview: CARB sticking by its regulatory guns CARB chief Mary Nichols defends her agency's past, present, and future regulatory activities before an SAE 2013 World Congress audience, promising flexibility where necessary. Read full story

Lutz: U.S. engineering education still 'too management focused' Bob Lutz stirred controversy in 2005 when he told the SAE World Congress audience that U.S. engineering education shortchanges creativity and problem-solving skills. He hasn't changed his mind, as his 2013 Congress keynote on April 18 is likely to reveal. Read full story

CAFE 2025 means new technology, higher vehicle prices New technologies will enable automakers to meet 2017-2025 CAFE standards, but the cost of compliance could be thousands of dollars per vehicle. Read full story

Tesla Motors CTO talks future batteries and charging protocols In this Q&A, Tesla Motors CTO JB Straubel elaborates on Tesla’s battery developments, the controversy over global EV charging standards including the SAE “combo connector,” and key learnings from partners Daimler and Toyota. Read full story

Natural gas the top alt fuel for future fleet vehicles CNG/LNG will be the most prevalent alternative fuel used in medium- and heavy-duty fleet vehicles by the end of the decade, according to a recent poll posted on SAE Magazines websites. Biodiesel was second, electricity third. Read full story

Composites simulation can accelerate acceptance David Mason, Vice President of Global Automotive for Altair Engineering, discusses how modeling and FE analysis tools can help engineers optimize their structural composite designs—and ultimately "catalyze composites growth" in the automotive sector. Read full story

The case for Class 8 hybrids Hybrid technology may not be the best solution for all heavy-truck applications, but a Caron Engineering expert explains how it can still benefit Class 8 vehicles. Read full story