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Editorial As Argo taps out, the AV industry resets The Navigator 2022 a mixed bag for the AV sector Volvo's New Sensor Sweet A Luminar Iris lidar in the 2024 EX90 is engineered to enhance both automated driving and safety. Inner Visions Automated-driving and ADAS functionalities continue to influence some of the latest cabin safety and materials trends. The Olfactory Factor in AV Interiors Aryballe Technology's unique sensors-on-a-chip solution aims to end the subjectivity of the human nose while neutralizing vehicle cabin odors. AV Life After Argo AI Every new industry sector goes through a consolidation process where the strongest survive, and so it is with automated and autonomous driving technologies. Robotic ADAS Testing Bridges the Sim Gap ASI's Swarming technology allows collision-avoidance and other tests at high speeds on vehicles that human drivers find hard to match. New Tools & Technologies

Frankfurt Motor Show The art of automotive product packaging is a complex, multifunctional design and engineering discipline that has led to cars with relatively small overall dimesnions yet remarkable interior space. E-volutions As the movement to improve various supply-chain functions through the implementation of e-business initiatives gains momentum, the providers of the products and services that make the benefits possible are becoming more important to the automotive industry's future. Automakers going digital A math-based, vehicle-devleopment-process strategy has helped General Motors to achieve greater engineering capability, efficiency, and quality. A more redefined Ram Chrysler Group engineers have employed the use of hydroforming, new airbag technology, and aerodynamics, among other things, to improve the design, ride, and safety of the Dodge Ram 1500 for model year 2002.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chattanooga Power Haus Volkswagen sprints forward in the EV race by integrating battery test, production and EV assembly in the U.S. A materials lesson in Civics Honda's Indiana-based project leader shares insights on meeting all-new product challenges with the launch clock ticking - during COVID. From emissions tech to EV electronics Eberspaecher's Electronics unit is enabling big growth in EV and AV business.

Making the torque-transfer transition Amsted Automotive Group saw the EV revolution coming and has 'the means' to deliver greater driveline efficiency. AAG's top engineers talk next-gen technology. Electric radiant heat for EV cabin comfort New HVAC tech helps Toyota tackle the EV heat-vs.-range conundrum. Honda sticking with structural adhesives Honda extends its use of adhesive bonding to the 2022 Acura MDX, enhancing the vehicle's dynamic performance, among other benefits. Principal engineer Patrick Shafer explains. Editorial EV, give me heat! Supplier Eye Inflation ignites another supplier squeeze Toyota reinvesting in collaborative safety research SAE and NREL partner to strengthen EV-charging cybersecurity Expanding the 'bubble' of cabin acoustics 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning redefines the pickup paradigm GM's Hummer EV is like nothing else

Weaving a new future for composites In a shift perhaps as prolific as steel to aluminum, woven plastics may finally bring the magic of composites to cost-effective mass-production. New composites target EV applications No longer a low-volume play, the latest composite materials offer EV developers new options for lightweighting, thermal management and structures. Acura TLX is Honda's new body-build benchmark All-new for 2021, Acura's midsize sport sedan gets an exclusive platform to go with its structural, materials and dynamic advancements. Body development leader Jeremy Lucas explains. Schaeffler builds an e-motor powerhouse Armed with state-of-the-art manufacturing and a history of innovation, Schaeffler Group is attacking the e-mobility space, says Daniel Sayre.

Closing the loop on EV battery recycling Recycling battery materials is vital to the electric-vehicle future, but the way forward faces a host of hurdles. Unzipping the future of sustainable electronics In2Tec brings an innovative solution to the global e-waste problem. Keeping your silicon cool A Parker Chomerics expert shares real-world solutions for the heat-dissipation challenges in onboard electronics.

Optimizing the replacement for engine displacement New boosting and fuel-delivery technologies, and even twin-cylinder ICEs, are among the solutions being employed by powertrain engineers aiming for the next round of fuel-consumption and emissions targets. Back to basics Top Toyota executives discuss steps taken to bolster quality control during the development process while still forging ahead with new innovative product. Hyundai builds on success The company and Kia share European technologies and facilities, but they maintain individual model and marque identities as their presence strengthens. Teeming with ideas Automakers and suppliers get together to address consumer-electronics-friendly life cycles.