Better engines aren’t the only key to improved fuel efficiency

Improving on efficiency, i.e. getting a better return or output with less resources has always been the quest of automotive engineers. Never before has this goal been as important as it is today.

The German Automobile Industry Association (VDA) is already setting the pace for improving fleetwide fuel efficiency. Between 1990 and 2005, the association has promised policymakers that German fleetwide consumption of new automobiles will be reduced by 25 percent. At the same time, consumers are putting pressure on carmakers as well. They demand more powerful engines, modern safety systems and of course every imaginable comfort and amenity such as GPS navigation, air-conditioning and in-car entertainment (audio and video.) Common ground between these two contradictory goals can only be reached through close cooperation between carmakers, their suppliers and raw materials providers. Only a concerted effort will lead to better performance from the drive train, reduce drag and lower vehicle weight – and deliver more car for the consumer at a lower cost to the environment in terms of fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

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