The future of automotive technology

Automotive technology is in the beginning of an era of innovation not seen since the early part of the 20(th) century. Hybrid power plants consisting of spark-ignited engines and electric motors are already in production cars sold in Japan, North America and Europe. Cars with virtually all aluminum bodies and chassis are also available. And, there is much more to come. Cars the size of the typical American family sedan getting 33 kilometers per liter (approximately 80 miles per US gallon) of gasoline or better will become common place. Virtually every major world automaker is working on vehicles powered by fuel cells. And, as these advances come to fore, they will undoubtedly challenge old paradigms and open opportunities for new, This paper will present on overview of some of the things happening in automotive technology and attempt to discern what the ramifications may be.