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Frankfurt Motor Show concepts Visitors to the 60th IAA held in September were greeted with 125 world premieres, 60 of which were new vehicles by the world's automotive manufacturers. Prior to the public event, AEI editors scoured the show to put together this special section of Global Vehicles highlighting the best-in-show concept cars. Dynamic rollover testing on the way NHTSA announces that the 'fishhook' manuever, along with the static stability factor, will be used to rate vehicles for rollover propensity beginning with the 2004 model year. Shortening the chain Despite the trend toward increased outsourcing, the integration of compounding and molding operations at molded composite parts maker Composite Products resulted in a leaner and more economical supply chain. NASCAR research and development With the help of a new managing director and R&D center, the popular racing series is pursuing technology to improve safety and level competition.

Software shifts into automatic mode Automatic code generation is speeding up development and helping to improve automotive system reliability. Coming out party Plastics abound inside vehicles, but they are increasingly finding new applications outside the cockpit thanks to a heavy push for lightweight solutions. Cutting emissions down to size While the long-term future may deliver an efficient alternative to the internal-combustion engine, a few UK-led projects are tackling short-to medium-term solutions for improving engine-out emissions and efficiency of gasoline and diesel engines.

A controlling interest Motorola's Scott Anderson provides insight on how electronic controllers are making cars safer, better-performing, and more fun. Software support for telematics Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit is focusing on the convergence of Internet technologies with vehicle systems through the deployment of Windows CE and .NET software platforms. Cadillac CTS The company's latest passenger car ushers in a new era of Cadillac performance with the V-series. Lincoln Navigator Redesigned for the first time since its 1997 launch, the full-size SUV not only looks different from the original version, it feels different, too. A heavy-duty RAM Chrysler Group engineers have included several firsts for the 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups, including side curtain airbags and power adjustable pedals. Enzo Ferrari: the car Ferrari is planning to build 349 copies of its "extreme sports car," which embraces a raft of Formula One technologies.

Speed is king Motorsports offers automakers a fast way to develop new technologies and quick-thinking engineers. This article explores how DaimlerChrysler, Ford, and General Motors approach motorsports as an engineering tool. Electronics: changing the shape of the automobile The decisions made by the automotive industry the next few years will forever change the shape of the automobile. The electronic technologies to improve fuel economy, increase passenger safety, lower emissions, and improve reliability are evolving quickly, but because of their cost the exact timeframe for their implementation is undecided. Chevrolet Corvette The Z06 is the big news for 2001, the new model having a high-output 5.7-L LS6 V8 developed by GM Powertrain. Innovation meets the mid-size segment The 2001 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus offer more power, enhanced NVH characteristics, and improved safety. Third-generation M3 The all-new high-performance M3 coupe debuts in North America.

Consumed by changes Reprogramming becomes the focus of engineers as radios become multifunction head units integrating many infotainment functions. Design insiders Packaging, comfort, 'premiumness,' and quality are keywords in the vocabulary of car interior designers, but significant changes to interior structures could lead to a design revolution. Accident avoidance 2.0 OEMs and suppliers are going to great lengths to ensure the proper performance of their next generation of active safety products. Automotive policy goes to the polls Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama stake out different positions on issues affecting the automotive industry and future vehicle engineering. Mitsubishi i MiEC Instead of focusing on hybrid propulsion, the company is hoping to be a leader in all-electric vehicles by readying a minicar for 2010 launch. Tato Nano The Indian automaker intends to overcome obstacles and deliver on its promise of a $2500 all-weather, safe family car.

Like a rolling home Suppliers are helping automakers engineer vehicles that allow passengers to bring along the comforts of home. Focusing on distraction An explosion of new features, functions poses challenges for safety. Performance goes green With record-high fuel prices and CO2 concerns providing the impetus, automakers are developing more fun-to-drive cars with an eye towards efficiency. GM re-engineers pickips More refined ride, higher-quality interiors, and greater efficiency are some of the highlights of the 2007 models. Jeep takes on tough terrain For 2007, the brand's iconic Wrangler is engineered to be more rugged off-road and more refined on it. Audi updates TT theme The second-generation rendition is bigger, more powerful, and uses a subtle metals mix and match. Vantage: as Aston to the core A common platform strategy is a vital element of the company's design and manufacturing flexibility.

Avoiding crashes through engineering Sensor fusion and FlexRay adoption pose big challenges for active-safety systems developers. Sounds of silence NVH analysis comes into the spotlight as traditional targets are addressed and new trouble spots are uncovered. Fuel cells power up As the alternative-propulsion technology moves from lab to limited production, car makers are looking for new design solutions and materials to reduce costs.

Systems drive safety Engineers are using a holistic approach to design safer vehicles by adding function and integrating multiple subsystems. The gas in greener Biodiesels promise to help reduce petroleum consumption and CO2 emissions, but much of the potential depends on production and infrastructure investment. Good vibrations Instead of excising all noise, vibration, and harshness, engineers are focusing more on making specific sounds and feedback "fit" a vehicle. SAE Commercial Vehicle Congress Preview International Truck and Engine executives head the charge for "positive industry change" at SAE's third Congress for the on- and off-highway communities.

Ultracapacitors charge ahead The limitations of current energy-storage solutions could encourage consideration of these alternative solutions, but more engineering work needs to be done to reduce costs. Technology for all Automotive industry executives expect high-end technologies, once considered only for inclusion in luxury cars, to increasingly make their way into entry- and mid-level vehicles in the very near future. Convergence continues A lot of automotive electronics ground has been covered at the Convergence conferences past, and there's more to come at this year's show in October. Fueling the next generation As hydrogen joins the battle for automotive power with gasoline and diesel, the future could be more choices rather than one winner.

Trends in advanced chassis control Motorola vehicle system developers examine the state-of-the-art microprocessor and other electronic technologies driving the development of advanced braking, steering, suspension control, and collision warning/avoidance systems. Wheel design and engineering Consumer demand is driving the automakers' move to large-diameter, shiny, alloy wheels. Telematics and the digital car As development of new telematics products and services gain speed, OEMS, suppliers, and other players in the automotive industry are using simulators as a tool to gain greater understanding of driver distraction. NisSun Rising Nissan is back, according to President and COO Carlo Hosn, thanks to a revised product development structure that makes better use of employees and technology. Back to the future for Ford manufacturing The Vice President of Vehicle Operations said the company's goal is raw materials to finished goods in one day.

Global Viewpoints North America North American automakers and suppliers know that moving the ball forward technologically is their best bet for survival, if not success. In the special section on the following pages, some of the automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development. GM's new battery boss Denise Gray has global responsiblity for bringing the best energy storagte systems to GM's expanding hybrid program. Energy, environment, and engineering The drive toward energy security and environmental responsiblity is leading many automakers, Chrysler Group included, down a variety of technological avenues--diesels, biofuels, and hydrogen fuel cells among them. Investing in future business Delphi has had its ups and downs since departing from the General Motors umbrella in 1999 as a fully independent publicly traded company, but 2007 may reign as the ultimate watershed year for the supplier.

GM's hybrid SUVs: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicles for 2008 The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Yukon Hybrid get up to 50% better city and 30% better combined fuel economy while still delivering comparable performance thanks to a thorough vehicle re-engineering and an industry-first 2-mode hybrid-powertrain. Bright outlook for diagnostics Telematics will augment more sophisticated data gathering, but challenges are many. Second-generation biodiesels As traditional fuels become more expensive and scarce, the biofuels industry is scrambling to develop more sustainable sources from nonfood agriculture. Global Viewpoints: North America In this special section, some of the North American automotive industry's top executives discuss the latest trends and their strategies for game-changing vehicle engineering and development.

Global viewpoints: technology leads the way From fuel cells to flexible circuitry, advanced technologies are helping North American automakers and suppliers build vehicles that deliver increasingly high levels of safety, reliability, performance, and comfort/convenience. Sensor development for occupant rollover protection Delphi Automotive Systems pursues new devices for the pecularities of rollover conditions. Several steps toward recovery Making new vehicles out of old vehicles--as well as discarded carpeting--enables automakers to do the right thing for the environment, society, and their balance statements. Englightened interiors Product developers at Chicago Miniature Lamp discuss trends and advances in automotive interior lighting. Geneva Motor Show highlights Vehicles on display at the event, held in early March, ranged from the bizarre to the functional.

Spoilt for choice The auto industry's options list includes biofuels, hydrogen, hybrids, fuel cells, and batteries--but will it be all, or nothing at all? Moving eastward The automotive industry spreads and grows, suppliers move to east Europe, environmental issues are crucial--and the companies survive that get everything right. Hands-on solution to reduce emissions Literally driving the environmental necessities home may support technology in engines old and new. Cutting emissions: more answers than questions The European auto industry is struggling with alternative fuels and emissions reduction programs, but potential solutions are many and varied--any may become even more so. Hydrogen, the IC engine, and the future It may be the fuel of the future, but views vary about how hydrogen should be used.

Finding the right niche As technology, politics, and OEMs struggle to achieve environmental cohesion, small and niche companies are determined to ride out the maelstrom with their ability to adapt, react, succeed, and survive. Jaguar and Land Rover shift Access to technology and engineering takes center stage as the two brands transition from one giant parent to another as Tata takes over from Ford. Aston Martin bonds The company is developing closer ties with Tier 1 suppliers in its new role as an independent. Bentley has secret CO2 plans The company wants to combine luxury and high-performance hallmarks with massive cuts in emissions. Lotus small and manueverable The engineering arm's technology menu--including lightweight, small engines, and high performance--is being sampled across the world. Porsche looks to the future Gasoline hybrid technology, convergence potential, and diesels could be in store for the company.

NAIAS production vehicles Editors review the engineering highlights of the show's production-vehicle introductions. BMW 7 Series: AEI's Best Engineered Vehicle for 2002 With help from its suppliers, BMW has produced a vehicle that blazes the engineering trail with innovations that will influence passenger vehicles for years to come. Developments in fuel cells Automotive engineers are concentrating on providing quick startup, cost reduction, mass manufacturability, and crash safety. AEI Tech 2002 Awards Automotive Engineering International editors highlight the top products and technologies that were displayed at the SAE 2002 World Congress. Introducing S.M. Shahed, SAE President for 2002 From humble beginnings, S.M. Shahed carves out a seat at the society's top spot. Urea selective catalytic reduction Testing by Ford researchers of a small-diesel emissions-control system proved successful in meeting ULEV emissions standards.

NAIAS technical highlights The industry kicked off what many are calling the Year of the Car at the North American International Auto Show in January. Cars and car-based crossovers took center stage, with many of the new models being derived from flexible architecture that will spawn many distinct products. High-performance hybrids Hybrid-electric technology is growing beyond economy cars to boost performance for luxury and sports cars and trucks. Toyota Prius: Best Engineered Vehicle for 2004 The second-generation gasoline/electric hybrid provides a larger and more versatile mid-size interior and sginificantly improves upon its pioneering predecessor in terms of performance, efficiency, emissions, and consumer appeal. AEI Tech 2004 Awards The new editors of Automotive Engineering International highlight some of the innovative new products and technologies on exhibit at the SAE 2004 World Congress based on the latest information provided by suppliers.

Internal combustion: the next generation Homogenous combustion promises to many diesel efficiency and torque with the refinement and emissions benefits of gasoline power--but challenges remain. Testing for the future Providers beef up facilities to provide clients with additional capacity and invest in new tools for greater performance. Assembly required OEMs and suppliers are struggling to build new strategies and strengthen existing systems for improved global supply-chain management in an effort to reduce costs. Change is in the air (and on the ground) Chrysler, undergoing a transformation of its own, helps shed light on issues facing the evolving automotive industry at the SAE 2008 World Congress.

Hybridization gathers momentum Gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles continue to grow in popularity, with many incremental advances coming from Japanese OEMs and suppliers. Broadening telematics' reach More infotainment options pose many challenges. Nano goes macro While nanotechnology deals with materials at the minutest of levels, the auto industry has grand plans for its use in a multitude of areas. The transformation of testing Software is helping physical tests produce more accurate results more efficiently. Advancing crashworthiness simulation BMW worked closely with software developers at ABAQUS to produce a customized solution for virtual product development. Low-cost latitude Contrary to popular belief, 'low cost' does not automatically mean 'Chinese.' SAE 2006 World Congress Preview Toyota and host company BMW join Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler for a record number of OEMs on the floor at the April 3-6 event.

Lighten up! Automakers and suppliers accelerate their efforts to reduce vehicle weight by engineering them for greater use of lighter, stronger materials. Combustion research heats up As calls for lower CO2 emissions grow louder, fuel system, valvetrain, electronic control, and analytical technologies are helping to unlock greater efficiences inside the cylinder. Touching the future Sensors and screens are replacing push buttons as touch controls get more sophisticated and user-friendly. Waving the 'green' flag SAE 2009 World Congress host company Honda calls for collaboration and urgency in the race for green mobility.