A new Opel-Vauxhall emerges Opel-Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly is confident of the potential of electric vehicles. Volvo technology enters new era The deal transferring Volvo's ownerhip to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is expected to be sealed before the fourth quarter of the year, offering a lower cost base that could see Volvo sales up from about 390,000 this year to a million by 2016. Time for more consultations Lotus Engineering's new director, Dr. Robert Hentschel, thinks hard and often, especially about electric bicycles in China, building bridges to the future, extended-range hybrids, and vehicle links to the infrastructure. Aston Martin rides out the recession The company is relying on a combination of its flexible VH vehicle architecture, a small-car partnership with Toyota, and component multitasking to see it into the future.
A good defense The latest military ground-vehicle navigation and communications give crews unprecedented situational awareness and on-the-move capability.
EV opportunities as the future becomes current As OEMs lay out their plans for an increasingly electric vehicle future, suppliers and engineering consultancies consider the way ahead.
Spotlight on Neville Jackson Ricardo's group technology director discusses powertrain development with Andrew English Charging into the future Electrically-driven superchargers could be a key technology in enabling downsized engines as Ian Adcock discovers The case for CAE Mark Fletcher reports on an advanced virtual dynamics suite
The evolution of engineering via computer CAD has come a long way since the 1970s and '80s. Now with a price tag less that 10% of a 1980 system, CAD and its add-ons can tackle an ever-increasing range of tasks inculding automated engineering.
Fast-track propulsion testing Whether it is compressor refinement or complete test programs for next-generation aircraft, the level of propulsion system development in Europe seems to be ever-increasing.
An inside job Interior suppliers work hard to engineer in greater levels of comfort and technology in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.
Developing next-generation biofuels Spurred by concerns over national security, future supplies of petroleum, and greenhouse gas emissions, many are looking for fuel from biological renewable sources. Control strategies take many paths I/O, EMC, and SIL are among the acronyms transforming controller development. Lean, green, and marine Following the lead set by road and air transportation, sea vessels are turning to increased amounts of composite materials in their construction.
Steering activated Vehicles are increasingly taking the wheel and steering themselves, with the promise of improved comfort, handling, and safety. Reflections of a product-development revolutionary Bob Lutz revitalized GM's PD process by challenging its protocols- while following his instincts for making compelling vehicles. Commercial success Technology transfer, a Class 8 hybrid, and lightweighting efforts highlight ArvinMeritor's innovation push in the commercial-vehicle space. EcoBoost, DCTs, and stop-start for the masses High-value, high-volume technologies are driving Ford's near-term conventional powertrain strategy, explains engineering chief Barb Samardzich. Breathing new life into Chrysler Engineering Engineering VP Scott Kunselman talks about working with Fiat, taking the lead in vehicle-electrification, and putting the mojo back into Chrysler's product-development team. Watching the charge The fusion of diagnostics and telematics may help boost electric vehicles.
Heading back to the future As the buzz about space grows, and with the potential for government resurection of funding, materials for space travel-and materials creations in space- are taking on new life.
Alternative fuels not forgotten Though the automotive industry is focused to a large extent on electric drivetrains, research continues on alternative fuels.
Safer flight on the horizon Development in avionics, communications, and air-traffic management enable more affordable and better ways to fly and navigate.