The Basics of Automobile Design
What are automobiles? What are the parts and systems of an automobile? Automobiles are companies that manufacture, sell and service cars. Demand for cars has increased steadily over the years, with sixty million new cars being produced each year. As of 2012, there were 243 million cars registered in the US. This growth is due to the numerous benefits that a car can provide. But what is an automobile, and why is it so important?
Vehicle design
The field of vehicle design focuses on the development of the appearance of motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, coaches, and vans. It is responsible for the overall look and feel of vehicles, such as enhancing their usability and functionality. A vehicle may be made of several materials, and it must be aesthetically pleasing to the driver. Here are some tips to improve vehicle design:
Internal combustion engine
The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) was one of the first technologies to be used in automobiles. This invention changed the way people got around the world. At the time, horses and carriages dominated the transportation industry. The horse-drawn carriages needed roads, rest stops, and drainage systems for their dung. The ICE, however, provided these conveniences and much more. In fact, by the year 1880, there were more than 1.2 billion vehicles on the road.
Drivetrain
The drivetrain for automobiles consists of a number of components that transfer the energy produced by a vehicle’s engine to the wheels. The drive wheels can be on the front, rear, or all four corners of the vehicle. The transmission transmits power from the engine to the wheels and also allows drivers to shift gears according to their needs. For example, a front-wheel-drive car will have a front-wheel-drive transmission.
Fuel system
The fuel system of a vehicle is composed of various components including a tank for the gasoline, a fuel pump, a filter, and injectors. The main function of these components is to deliver fuel to the engine as required. This system must function flawlessly to ensure optimum fuel efficiency and power. When the fuel system is malfunctioning, the fuel delivery system cannot provide the desired results. The fuel metering unit, or injector, is the last stop before the fuel reaches the engine.
Emissions standards
Emission standards for automobiles have been in place since 1975. The main goal of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to reduce pollution in the air and protect public health. The Clean Air Act mandates these standards for automobiles. These standards are aimed at reducing nitrogen monoxide by more than 40 percent and particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations by as much as 22 microns. Today, automobiles contribute more than half of the total city’s emissions of volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, and PM2.5. The standards will help to balance these two goals and provide a more affordable, reliable vehicle for consumers.
Advertising in automobiles
The world of online marketing is changing rapidly, and this includes advertising in automobiles. As more consumers turn to the internet for their research, the landscape for television viewing is changing rapidly as well. Consumers can now compare car models, colors, and prices online. Advertising in automobiles on auto shopping sites and other digital destinations reaches a much larger audience than traditional television advertising. Automotive marketers must adapt to these changes, and adopt a data-driven approach to their advertising.
Regulations on the manufacture of automobiles
Regulations on the manufacture of automobiles are designed to protect the consumer and the environment, and have a profound impact on how cars look and perform. They can also increase production costs, and limit the marketing of automobiles. Manufacturers must comply with regulations to avoid steep fines or legal trouble. Listed below are some of the most important aspects of automotive regulation: