Taming automotive complexity with digital optimization

From helping automotive engineers develop lighter structures to delivering fewer defects in manufacturing, digital tool providers are continuing their push upstream in the engineering process.

Even while worldwide vehicle sales are rebounding, high fuel prices and regulatory actions continue to ratchet up the pressure on engineers, forcing them to rethink basic powertrains with more equipment and features. Other trends, such as more intelligent cars, mean more software and electronics. Cars are now mobile computing platforms. To use simulation tools effectively earlier in development means taming this growing complexity.

Another factor driving complicated automotive systems is connectivity.