Automotive Materials: current status, technology trends and challenges

The improvements and future trends of the materials technology for automotive components are analyzed with emphasis on the applications for mechanical transmissions. The main drivers are linked to customers needs, legal regulations and technical requirements, including the reduction of fuel consumption, cost out, environment regulations, energy diversification and others. Important developments in materials technology include the increasing use of light materials (aluminum, magnesium, polymers and composites), high strength steel, nanostructures, smart materials and others. It is also noticed the importance of the integration of different technologies such as the “mechamatronic” (mechanical, materials and electronics) and the managerial tools to take advantage of the new materials technologies.