The idea of "understanding the present through its history" is based on two insights. First, it helps to know where a technology comes from: what were its predecessors, how did they evolve as a result of the continuous efforts to solve theoretical and practical problems, who were crucial in their emergence, and which cultural differences made them develop into divergent families of artifacts? Second, and closely related to the first insight, how does a certain technology or system fit into its societal context, its culture of mobility, its engineering culture, its culture of car driving, its alternatives, its opponents? Only thus, by studying its prehistory and its socio-cultural context, can we acquire a true 'grasp' of a technology. The Evolution of Automotive Technology: A Handbook, Second Edition covers one and a quarter century of the automobile, conceived as a cultural history of its technology, aimed at engineering students and all those who wish to have a concise introduction into the basics of automotive technology and its long-term development. (ISBN:9781468605976 ISBN:9781468605969 ISBN:9781468605983 DOI:10.4271/9781468605976) 2nd Edition.

This textbook will help you learn all the skills you need to pass all Vehicle Electrical and Electronic Systems courses and qualifications. As electrical and electronic systems become increasingly more complex and fundamental to the workings of modern vehicles, understanding these systems is essential for automotive technicians. For students new to the subject, this book will help to develop this knowledge, but will also assist experienced technicians in keeping up with recent technological advances. This new edition includes information on developments in pass-through technology, multiplexing, and engine control systems. In full colour and covering the latest course specifications, this is the guide that no student enrolled on an automotive maintenance and repair course should be without. Designed to make learning easier, this book contains: Photographs, flow charts, quick reference tables, overview descriptions and step-by-step instructions. Case studies to help you put the principles covered into a real-life context. Useful margin features throughout, including definitions, key facts and ‘safety first’ considerations.

This book presents an evolutionary theory of technological change based upon recent scholarship in the history of technology and upon relevant material drawn from economic history and anthropology. It challenges the popular notion that technology advances by the efforts of a few heroic individuals who produce a series of revolutionary inventions owing little or nothing to the technological past. Therefore, the book's argument is shaped by analogies taken selectively from the theory of organic evolution, and not from the theory and practice of political revolution. Three themes appear, and reappear with variations, throughout the study. The first is diversity: an acknowledgment of the vast numbers of different kinds of made things (artifacts) that have long been available to humanity; the second is necessity: the belief that humans are driven to invent new artifacts in order to meet basic biological requirements such as food, shelter, and defense; and the third is technological evolution: an organic analogy that explains both the emergence of novel artifacts and their subsequent selection by society for incorporation into its material life without invoking either biological necessity or technological progress. Although the book is not intended to provide a strict chronological account of the development of technology, historical examples - including many of the major achievements of Western technology: the waterwheel, the printing press, the steam engine, automobiles and trucks, and the transistor - are used extensively to support its theoretical framework. The Evolution of Techology will be of interest to all readers seeking to learn how and why technology changes, including both students and specialists in the history of technology and science.

Dive deep into the riveting saga of automotive innovation with 'The Evolutionary Road of Automotive Technology.' This meticulously researched book takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the fascinating history of automobiles, from their humble beginnings as crude contraptions to the sleek and sophisticated machines of today. Through vivid storytelling and insightful analysis, readers will uncover the intricate interplay between culture, engineering, and innovation that has propelled the automotive industry forward. From the iconic Model T to the groundbreaking advancements in electric and autonomous vehicles, each chapter unveils the pivotal moments, key figures, and technological breakthroughs that have shaped the course of automotive history. Delving into the societal, economic, and environmental forces driving change, this book offers a panoramic view of the automotive landscape, exploring how shifting consumer preferences, regulatory landscapes, and technological advancements have sculpted the evolution of cars. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, 'The Evolutionary Road of Automotive Technology' promises to captivate and enlighten, providing a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future of automotive technology. Buckle up and prepare for an unforgettable ride!

This book details the development of the automobile from its early beginnings to the present day. With emphasis on the European historical perspective, particularly the pioneering developments which occurred in Germany, World History of the Automobile chronicles the early vehicles by Daimler, Maybach and Benz, the "Mercedes Era," the role of motor vehicles in World Wars I and II, and the numerous technological and business revolutions of the second half of the 20th century.

This book is an introduction to automotive engineering, to give freshmen ideas about this technology. The text is subdivided in parts that cover all facets of the automobile, including legal and economic aspects related to industry and products, product configuration and fabrication processes, historic evolution and future developments. The first part describes how motor vehicles were invented and evolved into the present product in more than 100 years of development. The purpose is not only to supply an historical perspective, but also to introduce and discuss the many solutions that were applied (and could be applied again) to solve the same basic problems of vehicle engineering. This part also briefly describes the evolution of automotive technologies and market, including production and development processes. The second part deals with the description and function analysis of all car subsystems, such as: · vehicle body, · chassis, including wheels, suspensions, brakes and steering mechanisms, · diesel and gasoline engines, · electric motors, batteries, fuel cells, hybrid propulsion systems, · driveline, including manual and automatic gearboxes. This part addresses also many non-technical issues that influence vehicle design and production, such as social and economic impact of vehicles, market, regulations, particularly on pollution and safety. In spite of the difficulty in forecasting the paths that will be taken by automotive technology, the third part tries to open a window on the future. It is not meant to make predictions that are likely to be wrong, but to discuss the trends of automotive research and innovation and to see the possible paths that may be taken to solve the many problems that are at present open or we can expect for the future. The book is completed by two appendices about the contribution of computers in designing cars, particularly the car body and outlining fundamentals of vehicle mechanics, including aerodynamics, longitudinal (acceleration and braking) and transversal (path control) motion.

This is a general interest trade book that describes the development of automotive technology and engineering from the start of the industry before 1900 to the present day. It explains how various systems and elements in the automobile work in layman's terms, without resorting to mathematics, and highlights the keymilestones in the historical development of automotive technology. All photos and illustrations are in full color. The intended audience is older teens to adults of any age who are interested in the subject and may be involved in it as a hobby. Sometimes referred to as "gearheads" or "motorheads," they form a huge market. Over the years many of the author's engineering students were in this category, and he often would meet with on-campus car clubs to explain the way things automotive worked, being careful to damp down or eliminate any complicated mathematics, as he does in this book. An Internet search found only titles that are either "hard-engineering oriented" -- such as publications from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) -- or mere compendiums of dates. Books in the latter category note the milestones but without hardly any explanation at all of how these developments actually work in a technical sense - which is the aim of this book.