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Gentlemen ... start your browsers To B2B or not to B2B, that is the question major players in the automotive industry must ask themselves as business-to-business e-commerce -- "B2B" -- becomes the very first trend of the 21st century. With new online alliances being forced almost daily between OEMs and suppliers -- and with some suppliers creating their own networks -- AEI looks at some of the most prominent B2B players. Global Concepts This review of some of the more significant vehicles from this past year's motor shows showcases trends in design and technology from the world's automakers. Automotive electromagnetic emissions measurements Theoretical modeling and practical measurements are used to investigate the validity of measuring electromagnetic emissions at close ranges. Assessing and analyzing driveability Engineers use in-vehicle data-acquistion and analysis tools to develop and refine vehicle calibrations for good driveability performance.

2006 Technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year. A new focus on emissions Cleaning up cold starts, adding precision are some of the strategies being employed by powertrain and controls engineers to further cut exhaust pollutants. Letting the sun shine in Increased modularity and reduced mass and complexity are the focus of covertible-top system engineers. Air conditioning and global warming Europe's legislated phaseout of R-134a, remaining issues with CO2 systems, and new proposals for R134-a replacements give engineers many challenges, hard choices to make, and not much time.

Concepts from Tokyo The Japanese brands showed an impressive number of concept vehicles at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, from styling exercises in search of what will come next, to "reference models" that are very close to production. Formula One technology: 2001 Engineering highlights of the recently completed season were the return of traction control, the widespread use of launch control, and the move toward wide V-angle engines. Adaptive front lighting Though there have been several early attempts at giving lighting systems some mechanical "intelligence," Hella believes the time is drawing near for the burgeoning capability of processors and sensors to play a significant role in enhanced frontal illumination. Instrument-cluster design trends Optrex America engineers show how automotive interior designers can use light to their advantage in designing displays for dashboard clusters.

Toyota punches innovations pedal From hybrids to robots, Toyota promises new ways of thinking to produce new and better products. Hyundai dreams As part of an internal competition, Hyundai designers let their minds wander through time, space, and perhaps some new dimension to conjure concepts that seem outlandish today. Maza fired up about internal combustion There is room in the market for hybrids and all-electric vehicles, but Mazda believes that internal-combustion engine offers the biggest bang for the buck. Helping hands Engineering consulting service providers expect to help OEMs meet greater fuel efficiency and tighter emissions standards. The upside ofdownsizing Hybrid powertrains are undergoing huge changes as successive generations emerge, increasing efficiency and offering better performance, with component sizes shrinking as engineers make changes that address cost.

The diesel is coming, the diesel is coming The diesel engine is reaching maturity before our eyes and noses, thanks in part to diesel particulate filters and high-pressure fuel injection. Planning for the future Industry and academia partner to improve education for tomorrow's automotive engineers. Passion for performance at SAE 2004 World Congress A special program dedicated to engineering and other issues related to high-performance vehicles will highlight this year's annual gathering. Modules no shell game for Siemens VDO Workers at the supplier's plant in Santa Catarina, Mexico, assemble seven plastic shells and 26 other components into an air/fuel intake module for DaimlerChrysler's Hemi engine.

Marotta turns things around The valve-making company used to have trouble getting product out the door on time, but it has improved its turnaround dramatically via lean thinking. A view from the factory Manufacturing techniques and materials used in other industries may be debuting at aerospace factories near you. Reverse engineering Using digital processes accelerates design and increases manufacturing quality. Fine-tuning aerodynamics The aerospace industry relies on massive amounts of computing power to continually simulate, test, and optimize vehicles for reliability and accuracy.

An eye for detail Manufacturers hone next-generation designs with advanced measurement and inspection tools. Emissions progress New European research and development efforts aim to achieve step changes in engine emissions performance. Seeing virtually everything Simulating larger systems helps engineers understand more interactions.

Le Bourget trends and issues The 45th Paris Air Show will provide industry players a gathering place to discuss the past, present, and future after two years of seemingly non-stop challenges to the industry. Working on the floor Automated data-capture technologies can obtain, validate, and process time, labor, and other information for improved productivity and efficiency in aerospace manufacturing. Space-age materials A team of researchers are studying the properties of cosmic rays to gain a better understanding of the radiation environment encountered during space travel. Avionics testing IFR has designed a new navigation communications ramp test set to replace its industry-standard workhorse.

Controlling deceleration during a crash It may be possible to reduce occupant injury severity without increasing vehicle deformation by actively controlling the vehicle deceleration in a crash. Europe's speed, cost, quality conundrum In last month's issue, Automotive Engineering International reported how technology is helping some of the major North American suppliers cope with doing business in the digital age. This article, the second in a series, addresses the same subject with some of the major suppliers and OEMs in Europe. Digitally controlled servo-hydraulic crash simulator The automotive industry is moving to newer technologies for crash simulation to minimize time-to-market for new models, reduce costs, and meeting consumer demand for safer cars and trucks.

Ministering to the interior The design of passenger car interiors has been changing steadily as safety and comfort systems have been added. The "Playstation" generation is likely to bring an increasing influence on ergonomic and aesthetic design, allied to a reduction in driver workload and a further enhancement in safety systems' capability and flexibility. Highlights from New York The 2004 New York International Auto Show saw the most world debuts in the event's history, with strong themes in new midsize luxury cars and midsize SUVs. Divergent stands on safety The battle between consumer advocacy groups and automakers over safety heats up as Congress contemplates mandates. Sport compacts go drag racing Makers of entry-level front-wheel-drive cars hope to translate power under the hood into power in the showroom.

Ford's Focus on the fuel cell The company's Aachen research center for advanced powertrain and environmental technologies provided the backdrop for a first drive of its latest fuel-cell prototype. Global viewpoints: Europe embraces the AT-factor The central pillar on which the success of every international automotive company now rests is the AT-factor, which stands for advanced technology. Target-vehicle modeling in crash analysis Ford engineers have refined their computer crash models for simulating vehicle compatibility between light trucks and cars. Reticulated polyurethane foam The new generation of materials has added safety, performance, reliability, and value to a number of automotive applications. Sorting through new automotive technologies Developments in powertrain, interior, and chassis technolgoies are improving the performance of vehicles in all corners of the world, including Europe.

Technology development under pressure Achieving major cuts in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption continue to be the big challenges facing the European automotive industry. But are the targets realistic, can emerging technology deliver solutions, is driveability likely to suffer, and will the end-user face higher costs? Pulling power The European industry is creating more (or at least as much) with less for the latest-generation powertrains. Chassis evolution Is it time for suspension system designs--increasingly costly to develop--to be standardized to conform to the ride and handling requirements of particular types and segments of cars instead of constantly being re-invented? The mere idea is anathema to some, but tempting common sense to others. Creature comforts Priorities for interior design are many and include increased safety, reduced noise, greater comfort, less complex ergonomics, and more systems support for the driver.

Toyota rationalizes IMV The Executive Chief Engineer in charge of the broad range of multipurpose vehicles for developing markets discusses local optimization of one global vehicle architecture. Honda builds a better FCX The recently revealed concept car previews the ambitious and radically new fuel-cell-powered car that the company will launch and lease in 2008 in the U.S. and Japan. Denso turns up the heat Japan's largest supplier is developing environmentally friendly products, such as its flagship HVAC systems to make customer vehicles cooler but more efficient. Sitting pretty Aesthetics merge with safety and ergonomics in that "simple" yet essential automotive system: the seat. Shifting forward Faster processors, enhanced sensors yield better transmissions with smoother gear changes. Finishing strong Combining high strength with formability, today's new steels support development of lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles--without compromising safety, cost, or performance.

Seats of power Car users are sitting on more advanced features than ever before, but increasing demands for "comfort" and other considerations have focused industry brainpower on slimmer seat designs, new trim materials, and innovative technology solutions. Big changes for powertrain control Electronics innovations are behind many of the advances in hybrid, diesel, and conventional gasoline engines. Plastic on the outside For many new vehicles, light weight is paramount, and so too is eye-catching design. That's why plastic body panels will become more prevalent. Toyota powers ahead The company's powertrain strategy follows Toyota President Watanabe's dream that a Toyota car be able to cross the American continent with no refueling while cleansing the atmosphere as it travels. The Honda way In the pipeline are a "dedicated hybrid car for family use," a super-clean diesel that meets U.S.

Editorial Tragedy to Transform AV Testing? Detecting Pedestrians Safety of vulnerable road users is driving new technologies as pedestrian deaths rise worldwide. When Autonomy Underperforms: the Evolving Liability Model As autonomy-related accidents expand, expect legal liability to shift to products rather than people. Seeing Through Fog Fog, rain and snow are big challenges for optical sensors, particularly active systems. Engineers need to understand the impact of fog conditions on cameras and thermal sensors used in AVs. Rethinking Architectures: From Chips to the Cloud New concepts and strategies for controls architectures are emerging as AV boundaries expand and options skyrocket. Cabin Fever As humans do less actual driving, autonomous vehicle interiors will transform radically to provide more creature comforts. Threat Vector: Car Washes! For vehicles with automated-driving sensors, the “cleansing” experience can go too far.

Virtual powertrain development Simulation is critical for efficient product development, but proper tool selection and efficient data management are keys to success. Blue Arc amps up for EV production Shyft Group's EV subsidiary is lighting the path for the electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles as well as mobile charging solutions. Increasing connectivity in construction Jobsites look to overcome challenges posed by mixed fleets and proprietary telematics to achieve "one-dashboard" vision and increased machine utilization.

Spotlight on Matt Roney Tony Lewin talks with TRW's Matt Roney about the megatrends now shaping future vehicle technology-and the emphasis is on delivering maximum value. The new black Imagine a future where cars weigh half what they do today, emit less carbon dioxide and are much easier to recycle. That vision may well be on its way, as Ian Adcock, Paul Horrell and Lou Reade report. Safety first Volvo's electric-powered C30 presented its engineers with a unique set of safety challenges, not least integrating a 300Kgs battery pack.

Uncertainty quantification The technique is a must for next-generation simulation tools. Oil-pump sizing Researchers from Hinduja Tech investigate options for low friction and power consumption. The future of Indian commercial aviation The growth in traffic that airport modernization has supported has also made a significant contribution to the local and national economies, while the improved infrastructure has been positive for the perception of India in the global market. Driving EVs toward lower cost The race ison to reduce battery and electric-drive systems cost while improving efficiency. Powering on Rolls-Royce's Chief Engineer discusses new technologies that inspire current R&D design and evaluation work as part of its strategic roadmap for future big commercial programs. HMIs extend beyond the cab Telematic functions are being integrated into multi-function user interfaces.

The advent of stop-start technology As environmental concerns grow for R&D teams, OEMs look to bring the strategy further into the mainstream. Recycling opportunities for hybrid/electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries With limited reserves and strict environmental regulations, re-cyclers look to established extraction means to reuse, recycle, and dispose of the used batteries. Cameras look to go the distance Automakers seek vision systems with greater distances, improved reliability, and more functionality, thanks to ruggedized complementary metal-oxide semiconductor technologies. Getting right with composites With composites now a mainstay in most new aircraft de-signs, the engineering emphasis has switched from understanding if they work to thinking through the most efficient way to manufacture them, such as using design-for-manufacturing software.

Alternative fuels heat up This is a rich time for combustion researchers. The need for better fuel efficiency and improved emissions has never been greater. New software model to help engine makers meet diesel soot standards Simulation enables engineers to predict particulate formation early in the design process.