The Automotive Technology Roadmap

The emergence of new technology and process innovations is enabling an explosion both in the range and feature content of new products offered to customers.
To survive, let alone prosper in this highly competitive climate, automotive OEMs and suppliers need to manage the processes of technology development and innovation in an integrated manner within the context of a new business model of product development.

The role of suppliers in developing new technologies is growing. Suppliers are undertaking much of the basic research underlying these developments and working with the vehicle makers to bring their innovations to market.
The Automotive Technology Roadmap, a new report from AutoBusiness, provides insights into this new business model and the importance of emerging new technologies and products.

The introductory chapter presents some of the latest thinking on the subject of technology development and innovation, together with examples of industry best practice. This is distilled into a range of process improvements and tools that may be implemented by OEMs and suppliers aiming to improve both R&D effectiveness and financial performance.

The approach outlined challenges widely held modern myths of automotive R&D but, correctly planned and executed, enables technology portfolios to be developed and managed in a more strategic manner.

The remaining chapters provide an overview of the potential for change from new technologies right across the vehicle, embracing Body and Systems, Chassis, Powertrains and Transmissions.

It will be of interest to those involved in the industry across a broad range of function who need an understanding of the potential changes that are underway in the automotive industry - from the application of electronics as well as new materials, processes and concepts.