The Automotive Industry 503
fuel cells and batteries). Some of the primary drivers or motivators
for these initiatives include needs for the following:
■ Improved overall driving performance and comfort
■ Performance improvements in basic systems and
components
■ Safety improvements
■ Improved energy and propulsion systems that are more
efficient and environmentally benign (including reduced
emissions)
■ Use of more environmentally friendly materials (including
recyclability considerations)
■ Reduced weight
■ Improved advanced electronic control and communication
systems and accompanying sensor technologies
■ Improved appearances and user comfort and amenities
■ Improved durability, reliability, and cost efficiency
The factors are not independent. Reduced weights, for example,
can lead to improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and other
benefits.
The automotive industry is by no means homogeneous, and
drivers vary according to product type and market. In some companies with highvalue products, the potential of small performance
increments can and does justify extensive (and often expensive)
design and material innovations. In other companies, cost concerns
dominate, and new materials will be less likely to be introduced in
a widespread way unless their costs are on a par with or below those
of conventional materials for equivalent performance levels.
The role of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies in this area can
be rather simply thought of with respect to basic systems and components (including propulsion and energy systems, suspension
systems, and others), frame and exterior body components, interiors, and control and communication systems. Surface appearances, including finishing and painting, are invariably important
for visible components (see Figure 12.1).
In the basic systems and components area, improvements in basic propulsion systems are always sought. As attention turns to hybrid and
allelectric vehicles, there is an obvious need for improved energy
fuel cells and batteries). Some of the primary drivers or motivators
for these initiatives include needs for the following:
■ Improved overall driving performance and comfort
■ Performance improvements in basic systems and
components
■ Safety improvements
■ Improved energy and propulsion systems that are more
efficient and environmentally benign (including reduced
emissions)
■ Use of more environmentally friendly materials (including
recyclability considerations)
■ Reduced weight
■ Improved advanced electronic control and communication
systems and accompanying sensor technologies
■ Improved appearances and user comfort and amenities
■ Improved durability, reliability, and cost efficiency
The factors are not independent. Reduced weights, for example,
can lead to improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and other
benefits.
The automotive industry is by no means homogeneous, and
drivers vary according to product type and market. In some companies with highvalue products, the potential of small performance
increments can and does justify extensive (and often expensive)
design and material innovations. In other companies, cost concerns
dominate, and new materials will be less likely to be introduced in
a widespread way unless their costs are on a par with or below those
of conventional materials for equivalent performance levels.
The role of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies in this area can
be rather simply thought of with respect to basic systems and components (including propulsion and energy systems, suspension
systems, and others), frame and exterior body components, interiors, and control and communication systems. Surface appearances, including finishing and painting, are invariably important
for visible components (see Figure 12.1).
In the basic systems and components area, improvements in basic propulsion systems are always sought. As attention turns to hybrid and
allelectric vehicles, there is an obvious need for improved energy