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Editorial Trust, testing and transition SAE Standards News SAE updates J3016 automated-driving graphic View from a Visionary Chris Urmson helped give birth to vehicle autonomy. His company, Aurora, is leading the technology to maturity and widespread adoption. Extending EV Range Using AV Programming Intelligent programming of autonomous electric vehicles offers potentially big energy savings, according to a study by IAV. Intel Study: Autonomous Vehicles Expected to be Common-in 50 Years New U.S. consumer survey sees most Americans "expect" AVs, though many currently fear the technology. Europe's Latest AV Testing Facilities Key for Swift Autonomous Adoption The need for data sharing and commonality in burgeoning AV technologies is bringing new meaning to the words 'proving grounds.' End Public 'Shadow' Driving! The best way to test and train AI for autonomous vehicles is through proper simulation, systems engineering, and an end-state scenario matrix.

Editorial SPAC attack The Navigator Mapping the way to safe and natural automated driving Motorcycles Enter the ADAS Age The latest models from BMW, Ducati and KTM feature Bosch's new ACC setup, but further advancements will require navigating critical rider-control strategies. On the Way to SVA Aptiv says its Smart Vehicle Architecture central controller is the key to simpler, more compact and higher-performance ADAS and AV systems. New Insistence for Driver Assistance Panelists at SAE International's 2021 Government/Industry Meeting say assisted-driving technology is worthwhile - but effective driver monitoring is crucial. Flash! Lidar's Next Generation Arrives Technology solutions from new players and alliances are poised to drive down cost. Horiba MIRA's Vision for World-Class AV Testing A new autonomous vehicle development center called Assured CAV boasts a lengthy list of assets and capabilities.

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.

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.

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.

Looking out at Geneva Performance, economy, and individuality, each achieved by technology, were the three overriding motor show themes at the Geneva-Palexpo--all good reasons why auto industry executives closely monitoring competitors needed to be on Swiss watch. Innovation offensive North American automakers and suppliers know that moving the ball forward and 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. Putting design in the driver's seat General Motors has dramatically shifted its product development focus from one led by engineering and manufacturing to one led by design and styling. Ford's new approach The company has restructured its engineering organization to maximize efficiencies and help bring stylish new vehicles to market more quickly.

Toyota Prius: Best-Engineered Car of 2001 Following the Japanese introduction of the first-generation Pruis in 1997, the significantly re-engineered second-generation model features new technology to meet the demands of the Western market, including improved driving performance, lower emissions, and reduced costs. Introducing Niel Schilke, SAE President for 2001 General Motors' former top engineer in Canada brings a systems engineering mentality, along with high expectations, to the SAE presidency. Fuel cells start to look real It is looking more and more as if the fuel-cell-powered car--the long-awaited "clean personal transportation of the future"--is moving from laboratory vision to technical reality, if not yet market actuality. Fuel-cell testing Capabilities that deliver reliable monitoring and control, as well as offer the benefit of a flexible configuration, are critical to keep pace with evolving fuel-cell technology, according to National Instruments.

Gearing EVs for greater efficiency Ingear, an innovative 2-speed transmission born in Canada, aims to unlock electric-vehicle performance and efficiency. Built-in Google vehicle apps arrive Android Automotive OS opens the door, cautiously, for third-party developers. Riding on air: Activated carbon aims at autos An old piece of science is set to bring new applications across the mobility spectrum. Allison builds a testing powerhouse Allison Transmission's new Vehicle Environmental Test center in Indianapolis is open for business for external and in-house customers alike. The VET has everything vehicle development teams need to improve testing efficiencies. Editorial The EVs are coming. Now what?

Software transforms vehicle development Software-defined vehicles are driving major changes in hardware and control architectures. Model-based analysis of e-motor designs Observing the magnetic field distribution, electromagnetic torque, and iron loss distribution allows engineers to optimize specific performance with minimal weight and material costs. NVH simulation meets realism New toolsets help reduce development time and bring sound and vibration data into the real world. Metamaterials R&D targets NVH abatement Nissan readies its lightweight acoustic solution for 2022 production - will Hyundai follow?

Chrysler's new Tigershark I4s aim for refinement, efficiency Developed in record time, the 2.0- and 2.4-L debut in the 2013 Dodge Dart. The 2.4-L features the first global application of MultiAir II technology. Honda unveils next-gen motorcycle powertrains New engines designed for low-speed torque, fuel efficiency, and riding 'character' are coupled with new DCT and CVT transmissions. Alternative fuels on bumpy road The price of conventional fuels is just one variable that makes it hard to know when fuel-cell, biofuel, and natural-gas technologies will come into their own. Regen braking gets a boost Researchers from Hyundai Mobis detail the development of smart booster brake systems for regenerative brake cooperative control. Efficient & effective leadership Frank O. Klegon, a 30-year SAE member and former product development VP at Chrysler, brings 'customer first' approach to term as SAE International's chief elective officer.

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.

A compact Cadillac to beat the Bimmers General Motors engineers were given a clean sheet to develop the 2013 ATS, Cadillac's all-new compact (and light) sport sedan aimed squarely at the 3 Series benchmark. Re-engineered Ram Thermal management-along with other significant changes-improves Ram 1500 fuel economy and earns EPA off-cycle credits. Honda Accord-the 9th generation The all-new 2013 model brings direct injection, a new CVT, MacPherson struts, safety advances, and a plug-in hybrid version./li> Radios expand by turning to micros Versatile systems use microcontrollers, software to meet wide range of requirements. Heavy on the lightweighting Weight reduction is already a significant consideration in companies' product development efforts, and the emphasis is only going to increase in the years ahead, according to SAE-member survey respondents.

VW bucks hybrid convention with 2013 Jetta HEV Rather than use a mild-mannered Atkinson-cycle ICE, VW engineers opted for a turbocharger. Their unique P2 hybrid powertrain stands alone in terms of sheer driving fun balanced with efficiency. Synergies strengthen safety systems Complementary technologies and data sharing are enabling enhanced collision avoidance. For example, radar and camera sharing the same processor provides a higher level of safety than two separate systems. A 'model' instrument panel ANSYS researchers implement simulation-driven product development for thermoforming of instrument panels.

Driven to test As automotive manufacturers and suppliers continually attempt to cut costs and reduce development cycle times, outsourcing of testing is becoming more prevalent in the industry. Testing resources This section highlights some of the latest testing products, equipment, and technologies used in sundry automotive applications from the industry's suppliers. Transmission options In this comprehensive review of technology, ZF's Group Vice President for Product Development concludes that the future belongs to automated manual, continously variable, and six-speed automatic and manual transmissions with increased capacities. Automotive moodular developments Engineers from Plastic Omnium Auto Exterieur and Inoplastic Omnium discuss design considerations for front-end module and plastic tailgate concepts. Flexible controls architecture for hybrid-electric vehicles General Motors and Motorola collaborate on a prototype vehicle for PNGV.

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.

Assembly by design The latest product development software offers new tools to improve the body engineering process and deliver flexible manufacturing capability. Measure twice, cut once The old carpenter's axiom is doubly true in the expensive realm of motorsport, where simulations provide a more cost-effective way to test ideas than trial-and-error. 2005 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant engineering and innovation stories of the past year. The new steels Lessons learned on where, when, why, and how to use new higher-strength materials is an information-sharing mandate of high order. Nissan showcases advanced technology The underlying philosophy of the company's "Orchard Concept" R&D strategy is to direct its strengthened resources to "real, specifc technological innovation in the car that you see on a showroom floor," providing performance and functions that exceed customer expectations.

Concepts from 2003 Tokyo Motor Show Environmental, safety, and information technology were strongly emphasized in an impressive array of fuel-cell, hybrid, and pure electric concept cars. LEDs shine on The lighting technology's compact size, power, and durability excite designers who still long for flexibility in interior and exterior styling. GM, software, and electronics At its annual media preview of new models, the company demonstrated how its technology investments will pay off in more features, for more people, in more market segments. Plastics roll into new territory From structural members to Class A surfaces, plastics continue to find increasingly broad application in the automotive industry. 2003 technology in review AEI editors look back at some of the most significant production-intent innovations introduced over the past year. Forging ahead in metal forming Crude though the means may have been, humans began making and shaping metal several millenia ago.

The right touch Touch input and smarter knobs help drivers control a growing array of functions and devices. Product development gets leaner Providers of design automation and product lifecycle management software tools believe they can help drive out waste from the automotive product development process. NAIAS concepts The focus was on environmentally responsible cars and alternative powertrain technologies and fuels at January's North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Ryan's 'Research' put to good use The Southwest Research Institute engineer assumes SAE President duties for 2008. China tariff shock Foreign carmakers face higher auto parts import tariffs to "encourage" them to bring new advanced technologies and manufacturing expertise into the country. Automating cavity-wax application European standard enters the U.S. marketplace as automation of the complex operation takes over.

Plugging into Detroit Efficient, eco-friendly hybrid concepts, in "conventional" and plug-in forms, headlined January's North American International Auto Show, but a majority of the debuting concept vehicles boasted large-capacity V8, V10, or V12 engines aimed at ultimate performance. Creating the Bin-5 Diesel Progress made in lean-NOx trap technologies helps make engines a viable option for U.S. light-duty diesel market in 2008. Putting the pieces together Product lifecycle management tools and processes help speed automotive product development. Today's challenges, tomorrow's opportunities Engineers' productivity becomes paramount as companies change and evolve their business strategies. Promoting from within After serving a three-year term as Vice President-Automotive, Rich Schaum, Chrysler's former product development chief, becomes the new face of SAE International.

Solving the driver distraction problem Is voice-recognition technology the silver bullet? No, engineers agree, but it has its place. Succeeding in the alliance game It was General Motors' Arvin F. Mueller, Chairperson of the SAE 2001 World Congress, who came up with "Succeeding in the Alliance Game" as the theme for the March 5-8 automotive engineering event in Detroit. Ferrari 360 aerodynamic development The search for downforce without aerodyamic devices, such as wings or spoilers, led to novel solutions for the car's suspension. Renault's Euro 3 engine Flexible injection systems allowed Renault VI engineers to balance many conflicting priorities in developing Europe's first heavy-duty diesel engine with a fully electronic high-injection-pressure common-rail injection system. Meeting future emissions standards with diesel SUVs AVL List believes that diesel engines could be one way to improve the environmental acceptance of sport utility vehicles.