In Top Gear

Automotive Engineering Was Largely Confined To Engine And Fuel Efficiency. This Is Now Changing.

- Jayashree Mendes

ONE OF THE BIGGEST TRENDS RIGHT NOW in automotive engineering is improving engine efficiency and fuel economy. This includes downsizing, down-speeding, direct fuel injection, and boosting. Other engineering trends focus on improving transmissions (which include adding speeds), accessory load reduction through intelligent energy management of other vehicle components, vehicle electrification, hybridisation, improved battery management systems, new battery chemistries, and power electronics.

Weight reduction in vehicle subsystems is also tested by using lightweight structures made from alternative materials such as aluminum, magnesium, composites, plastics, and multi-material construction.

Vijay Kalra, chief of manufacturing, automotive division, Mahindra & Mahindra, says, "The manufacturing industry, as we know, is fundamentally changing, with advanced technologies increasingly underpinning global competitiveness and economic prosperity. The technologies are transforming the future of manufacturing and as a global manufacturing company we are constantly exploring ways to best tap into this disruptive shift to evolve, grow, and thrive."

Considering the competitive nature of the automotive world, various organisations across the world seek to create higher value in their automotive products for the customers. This growing competitiveness is leading to customers demanding high-quality products with better functionality, without an increase in price. The OEMs in the automotive industry must include projects that are designed to lower the product cost and enhance the value to the customer.

Automotive companies are also taking a good hard look at design, which is what makes or breaks a vehicle. Design of a vehicle can start 4-5 years before a vehicle can be launched.