New Technologies, Vehicle Features, and Technology Development Plan

This chapter provides a review of new technology applications that could be introduced in future automotive products and covers technology implementation issues. Each new automotive product must have a technology plan that provides a summary of all changes and new features that will be planned for the vehicle along with the assessment of technology implementation challenges and action plan to meet the challenges. The chapter also provides an example of a technology plan for a future automotive product. The design and technology trends covered in this chapter include the following topics: powertrain developments, lightweighting technologies, aerodynamic drag reduction, driver aids and safety technologies, SAE levels of automation and driverless vehicles, driver information interface technologies, connected vehicles and V2X communications, and lighting technologies.