Automobiltechnik

Automobiltechnik, or automotive engineering, is a branch of mechanical engineering focused on the design, development, production, and operation of motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, and their propulsion systems. It covers powertrains, vehicle dynamics, safety, thermal management, and the integration of electronics and software.

Core subfields include drivetrain engineering (internal combustion, hybrid, and electric propulsion), transmission and drive systems, chassis and suspension, braking and steering, aerodynamics, and thermal management. Vehicle electronics, software architecture, and network communications (CAN, Ethernet) enable sensors, control units, and driver-assistance or autonomous systems.

Education and practice typically combine mechanical engineering with automotive specialization. Universities and research institutes collaborate with manufacturers to develop prototypes, run simulations (CAD/CAE, multibody dynamics, finite-element methods), and conduct bench tests and on-road trials.

Current trends include electrification and battery technology, lightweight materials, advanced manufacturing and automation, and increasing software content for control, connectivity, and autonomous driving. The field is global, with major activity in Germany, Japan, the United States, and China, balancing performance, efficiency, safety, and sustainability.