Which factors are driving progress in the automotive industry?

Why? Because customers' wishes, competitive advantages, the requirements of law and the need to find answers to questions before they have even been asked all have a profound impact on their work. As vital as it is to keep products on the leading edge, engineers should never forget that creating genuine benefits for customers is another key goal of development work. What, then, are the factors that are driving progress in the automotive industry today?

Though closely bound up with economic development, technological progress is also influenced by social and sociological factors. In recent decades, a concerted effort has thus been made to meet the needs of both individuals and society on a more sustainable basis. Whereas early cars were difficult to maneuver, more careful design, superior materials and improved production methods very quickly made them more powerful and better suited to their intended purpose. New demands quickly arose: the need for traffic safety, environmental protection and the conservation of natural resources. At the same time, competition spurs car-makers on to continually improve their products, processes and manufacturing workflows.

Ten percent efficiency was the best the first generation of car engines could manage. Today, gasoline engines deliver around 38 percent and diesel engines something like 43 percent efficiency. Modern cars also achieve levels of performance and convenience – not to mention clean exhaust emissions – that were inconceivable only a short time ago. Countless innovations ranging from thermodynamics to mechatronic systems have contributed to this progress.

Electronic gadgetry, software and mechatronic systems are still advancing unstoppably. Examples include the networking of chassis controllers, the undisputed link between full control of all electronic systems and passive safety, and, of course, hybrid engines. Another issue is the traction generated when rubber tires hit the road, which is crucial to a car's drive, braking, road holding and steering performance.

Technological advances have, for example, slashed braking distances at speeds of around 100 km/h from nearly 70 meters to just 35 meters.

"Seeing and being seen" is another key factor in promoting active safety – and another area in which major steps forward have been achieved. "Intelligent" headlamps adapt themselves automatically to different traffic situations, for example, while LED lamps save energy. One of the very latest developments in this area is BMW Night Vision, which recognizes pedestrians even on dark roads, for instance. At night, a thermal imaging camera shows people or animals on or at the edge of the road on an in-vehicle display. If the threat of a collision arises, a warning signal attracts the driver's attention, letting him or her respond in good time – and significantly improving road safety.

In addition to the functions one would normally expect of a vehicle, more and more new technologies are finding their way into today's cars. Radio was the first in line, broadcasting speech and music to in-car listeners. Now, an array of telematic services support both-way data transfer. BMW ConnectedDrive, for instance, allows vehicles to receive and send data. In future, it may even be possible for drivers to share important information about obstacles or hazards on the road by exchanging data directly with other cars (Car2Car communication) or by communicating via a central infrastructure (Car2X communication).

One of the most important topics in the modern automotive industry is the need to reduce CO2 emissions. Hybrid engines and hydrogen-powered vehicles have been two key developments in this field in recent years. And tremendous progress has been achieved, even though practical implementation is not always easy. On the subject of hybrid engines, it must be said that batteries, electric motors, power electronics, controllers and wiring all take up more space and add more weight. Compared to the fuels in use today, all alternative sources of energy also have a lower energy density and therefore require larger containers. This fact alone has limited research in this field to date.

Progress is being made on all fronts, as powertrain, driver assistance and convenience aspects, to name but a few, show. Spectacular innovations aside, the many small, incremental improvements – in machine components, in on-board electronics, in control systems and in surface technologies – should not be overlooked. Above all, though, the road to success is paved with developments that appeal to the emotions. Therefore, design considerations can affect technical development, and vice versa.

New opportunities can also be tapped by linking different technologies and systems together. Microelectronics, software and "high-speed data highways" (bus systems) almost always have a part to play. They are also largely responsible for giving a car its individual character. The advantage of software is that it can be flexibly adjusted and requires virtually no physical materials. Another way to reduce materials is to shrink the size of components – a further driver of progress that makes vehicles lighter and allows a more efficient use of the available space. Modern development/product development processes likewise shape the course of progress. Simulation and new testing methods accelerate development, improve outcomes and guarantee quality levels.

Technological progress often happens almost unnoticed as the sum of many small, ongoing improvements. At other times, progress takes the form of almost a quantum leap. Remember the Mercedes A class and its fateful "moose test" in 1997? Discovery of this one problem quickly led to the introduction of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC and ESP) systems across all vehicle classes. This, however, was an exceptional case: The general rule is that new technologies are first introduced in high-end and (in most cases) larger vehicles.

Car manufacturers are not the only companies responsible for progress in automotive development. The industry needs their product improvements, but it also needs rationalization throughout the value chain. Upstream suppliers currently account for around 80 percent of the value of a car. Though constantly under pressure to cut costs, they are equally keen to deliver ever better systems and components. Accordingly, both parties – the car makers and the suppliers – are driving progress.

It will be exciting to see the new developments, innovations and paradigm shifts that await the automobile in future. Scientific and technological insights will be necessary, as will big-picture approaches that identify shortcomings and deficiencies. But visions, strategic business decisions, systematic innovation and risk management are required, as well. Collaboration and networking, even among competitors, will be necessary.-BMW