CO2 changing focus
The global economic crisis could trigger novel engineering
solutions and the need for comprehensive testing.
ZEVs, fuel cells, and high-tech engines
Only 10% of cars on Europe's roads by 2020 may be
zero-emissions vehicles, but Mercedes-Benz is supporting future ZEV
and other advanced technologies with an undiminished R&D
budget.
Warning signs
Design and engineering lead-time tightening may be strangling
innovative thinking, says Royal College of Art's Harrow.
The decade ahead
Renault anticipates that a majority of its powertrains will be
downsized to the 0.9- to 1.2-L range and that electric cars will
appeal to 30% of the buying public.
Automatic for the people
Automatic-shifting dual-clutch transmissions are poised to grab
share from traditional transmissions thanks to their combination of
efficiency and convenience.
A stainless future
A push is under way to move stainless steel into more vehicle
applications that just exhaust systems-notably structural parts and
fuel cells.
Lighter, smaller, cheaper...safer
Software is helping to make safety components more economical in
terms of weight, size, and cost, in addition to reliably achieving
their intended functions.