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Steel red-hot for weight reduction The steel industry's focus to remain a top material choice has not diminished, especially with automakers and suppliers looking for ways to lightweight passenger vehicles to meet the U.S. government's 54.5-mpg fleet average requirement in 2025.

Off-highway engines advance beyond Tier 4 With Tier 4 Final/Stage IV needs met, engine OEMs direct their focus and competitive energies toward optimizing competitive solutions. At the same time, they need to keep a weather eye out for future regulations, which many expect. Autonomous vehicle challenges span many fields Many of the challenges faced by military and commercial design teams are similar. Racket busters With a quiet cab at the top of many tractor buyers' wish lists, agricultural equipment manufacturers are pursuing every opportunity possible to shed decibels.

Executive Viewpoints Off-highway industry executives write about some of the challenges and trends facing the industry over the next 20 years, and the innovation that will be required to stay competitive and sustainable. Annual product guide A product roundup showcasing the newest and most innovative supplier technologies in a variety of areas such as Powertrain & Energy, Electronics, Hydraulics, Materials, Testing & Simulation, Body and Chassis, and Interiors.

Fuel cells for auxiliary power OEM and supplier researchers explore the benefits of utilizing solid-oxide fuel-cell APUs to help meet heavy-duty truck anti-idling requirements. Safer EV batteries could enter the crush zone ARPA-e targets "robust" batteries that not only bear loads but also absorb crash-impact energy to save weight.

New technologies for 2014 OEM and supplier engineers are all about technical innovation. In this special feature, Automotive Engineering International highlights (in no special order) some notable ones debuting on 2014 models.

UK plc? It's the only place to be! Where is the best location for global car makers and suppliers to grow their businesses and research and development? The UK, says AIO's Joe Greenwell, without hesitation. Ian Adcock reports Time for a rethink A free-piston IC generator has been developed for range-extended hybrids. Steven Ashley looks at the implications One champ, two contenders Breakthrough battery technology and electric power assist are the key factors that will accelerate the transition to 48 volts, says Ian Adcock

Tackling biodiesel's technical challenges Engineers and researchers are working to mitigate biodiesel's negative effects on engine components and aftertreatment systems. Lightweighting with iron Grede throws advanced ultra-high-strength cast ductile iron into the lightweight-materials ring for commercial-vehicle chassis and powertrain applications. Silicon takes over Semiconductor suppliers are altering materials so automakers can add functions and improve reliability.

High hopes or just dreaming? A look at how Asia's aircraft manufacturers are trying to break into new markets to challenge the status quo. Camelina-based biofuel shows advantages in turboprop Researchers within the government of Canada see the need to improve the emissions performance of the Rolls-Royce T56 engine, which despite its age remains a workhorse for its military aircraft fleet.

When real life and FEA meet Model validation becomes the focus for building the chassis of a BAJA SAE vehicle. One student offers his advice for making smart choices while using FEA. Wait...where is Manitoba? Andrew Smith, Executive Vice Chair for the University of Manitoba's SAE International Chapter faces limited resources and the growth of what was once a small team. High hopes or just dreaming? A look at how Asia's aircraft manufacturers are trying to break into new markets to challenge the status quo. Operators see bright screens in their future HMIs borrow from tablets, phones to help operators perform a broad range of tasks.

Low risk, high gain stakes in aerospace design With the aerospace world pulling back from groundbreaking, high-risk aircraft designs, how are PLM and CAE suppliers adapting in providing solutions?

Honda flexes new powertrain muscle Honda R&D's top engineer outlines his company's Earth Dreams powertrain assault that includes more efficient, robust, and refined ICEs; new hybrid drive systems; and further developments in FCEVs, HCCI, plasma ignitions, and Rankine-cycle engine types. Setting Hyundai's fuel cell strategy Hyundai is one of two major OEMs that are still going it alone in developing FCEV technology, rather than collaborating with competitors. The company's head of fuel cell R&D explains the path toward 2015 series production. Volvo Trucks makes a case for DME The truck maker is working with Oberon Fuels and others to bring dimethyl ether-what company execs say is one of the most promising sustainable alternative fuels-to North America in 2015. Sensing a need for creature comforts Automakers and suppliers are turning to new sensors to help make cabins more comfortable and safer while automating some tasks.

Apps hit the road To make it possible to run safe, useful apps while vehicles are being driven, companies throughout the automotive supply chain are changing the way they work together. Figuring out how to attract and integrate small and large app companies into the long development cycle of vehicles is a major challenge.

Keeping cool Advanced insulation packages, solar reflective film, and other thermal-management technologies enable heavy vehicles to reduce idle climate control loads, as demonstrated by NREL's CoolCab project.

Simulation helps manage change in aircraft manufacturing Commercial aircraft demand is up even while sequestration and other forces are forcing scale-backs in defense-related programs. From managing complex supply chains to improving scrap rates in casting, digital simulation is proving a valuable aid.

Integration opens the door Semiconductor suppliers are integrating many functions into power devices while also cutting power consumption in an environment, automotive doors, where 8-bit microcontrollers still hold sway.

Biofuel opportunities and pitfalls Annual growth in biofuels has been strong but is expected to slow in the near future. User interfaces going mainstream Off-highway HMIs use consumer technologies to add functions, simplify tasks. Reducing the environmental impact of hydraulic systems OEMS and their suppliers are creating new hydraulic systems and components, using new fluids and remanufacturing to save energy and reduce the environmental impact of off-highway equipment. Multiple controllers add to EV complexity Model-based design has revolutionized the way products are developed, with design shifting from parts to the whole.

Digital engineering for Tier 4 With the final phase-in of the U.S. EPA Tier 4 emissions standard set to take effect by 2015, off-highway engine developers are accelerating product introductions. Design challenges remain for manufacturers even after the final phase-in while CAE software providers improve technology.

Putting CAE to work for non-experts CAE suppliers respond to the need to do more with less in a number of ways, including guided work flows and role-specific interfaces.

Safe and sane Driver distraction, demand for connectivity, and infotainment raise new challenges in combining consumer technologies and cars. Thin on the inside Seat suppliers apply ingenuity to reduce the weight of traditional steel seat frames while trimming away foam to make smaller cars roomier. Early simulation enhances product development While simulating before design may seem to upend the traditional view of product development, many companies are realizing the benefits.

Easy to control Designers grab a range of technologies to create controls that are simpler for operators to use. Designing quiet off-highway equipment OEMs and suppliers are using new materials and innovative designs to reduce NVH for both vehicle operators and the environment. Using FEA in off-highway design The process of considering weld redundancy in virtual simulation is a complex way of ensuring that weldment design is robust enough to prevail over accidental weld redundancy that might occur during manufacturing. Efficient and effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, begins term as chief elective officer of SAE International. Making battlefield targets disappear The use of 'smart' special materials has the potential to radically alter the way military platforms are defended, and used.