Bouncing back
The economic slowdown of the past year or so tooks its toll on the
U.S. automotive industry, with U.S. OEMs suffering the brunt of
lost sales. This four-section article explores some of the issues
shaping the U.S. auto industry and some of the technologies U.S.
OEMs and suppliers are using to combat their emboldened overseas
competitors.
Powering the future
It's anyone's guess as to what type of power source will
ultimately drive the majority of future vehicles in North America,
but one thing is certain: advancements in various powertrain
technologies from industry players are ready to make today's
and tomorrow's cars more environmentally--and
customer--friendly.
Inside North American vehicles
Vehicle interiors are incorporating more and more electronics,
telematics, and other advanced technologies, challenging engineers
and desginers to make them simple, safe, comfortable, and
appealing.
Integration hits overdrive in chassis
systems
Suppliers are getting more and more responsibility in the design of
suspension and other chassis modules and systems.
Electric heating and air-conditioning
Valeo engineers believe new systems for 42-V vehicles will provide
benefits in environmental protection, cabin comfort, and overall
safety.
Sensing the possibilities
Innovation and new opportunity are driving development of
automotive sensors.
Exploring the Geneva Salon
Entering the annual motor show is almost like stepping into the
inner sanctum of a motor manufacturer's design studio or
advanced engineering center.
Materials for lightweight tailgates
Alcoa, with help from DuPont, has developed a hybrid of aluminum
and polymer materials that, along with new manufacturing and
assembly processes, enables significant tailgate weight reduction
without compromising performance.
Powering the digital car
In the future, consumers may be basing their vehicle preferences on
the performance of automotive electronics systems, say experts that
attended SAE's Digital Car Conference.