ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews new technology applications that could be introduced in future automotive products and covers technology implementation issues. It provides an example of a technology plan for a future automotive product. New advances in technologies, changes in government requirements, and fierce competition between auto manufacturers are requiring auto manufacturers to incorporate new features with improved functionality and safety in their new vehicles. Implementing new technologies always creates a lot more work. The technology plan should consider the inclusion of every major vehicle system and its subsystems, and it should include descriptions of changes and technologies, risks in incorporating the changes, and major open issues. Advances in technology are influencing vehicle designs substantially through developments in powertrains, aerodynamics, materials, electronics and driver interfaces. A technology plan should be initiated in parallel with the development of specification and attribute requirements. Lightweight materials and new structural optimization technologies are used to reduce the weight of the vehicle.
