Automotive engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, manufacturing, operation, and repair of motorized vehicles, like cars, buses, and trucks. It combines elements of several other engineering disciplines, such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, and computer engineering, for the development of advanced automotive systems. Automotive engineers design, develop, test, manufacture, and service the mechanical, electronic, and safety systems in today's vehicles.

Automotive engineers must have a thorough understanding of power-train design, power electronics and electronics systems, sensing and control systems, manufacturing processes, and advanced materials used in the automotive industry. Automotive engineers are also responsible for the safety, fuel efficiency, and performance of vehicles. They must adhere to government regulations and ensure that their products are safe, efficient, and cost-effective. Automotive engineers can specialize in a variety of areas, such as design, production engineering, testing, and sales. They may also work in design and development, where they can create computer-aided designs and engineering models to be tested and analyzed. Automotive engineers can also be responsible for the procurement, installation, and maintenance of automotive components and systems.

In order to become an automotive engineer, one must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in automotive engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering. A strong knowledge of computer programming and software will be a great plus. Additionally, those interested in becoming automotive engineers should have the ability to analyze data from tests and make recommendations for improvements. Experience in the auto industry or working as an automotive technician is also beneficial.

Study programs

Automotive engineering is a very large field that has many related disciplines. Nevertheless, it is useful to note some of them:

1. Automotive engineering degree programs are designed to teach students about the design and engineering of vehicles. These programs typically include courses in automobile mechanics and design, power-train design, chassis design, electrical systems, instrumentation, computer-aided design, manufacturing processes, and automotive emissions systems.

2. Automotive manufacturing programs are designed to teach students the fundamentals of processes and operations associated with automotive component assembly and production. Courses typically cover topics such as robotic systems, automated manufacturing, product design and testing, and flexible manufacturing systems.

3. Automotive systems engineering programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the design, development, and operation of complex automotive systems such as engines, transmissions, and power-trains. These programs typically cover topics such as engine systems, vehicle dynamics, fuel systems, vehicle electronics, hybrid-electric systems, and noise, vibration, and harshness.

4. Automotive performance programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of existing vehicles. These programs typically include courses in physics, thermodynamics, combustion engines, engine tuning, ignition systems, exhaust systems, power-train design, and aerodynamics.

5. Automotive service programs are designed to teach students the skills necessary to repair and maintain vehicles. These programs typically cover topics such as vehicle diagnostics, brake systems, suspension systems, steering systems, air conditioning systems, engine systems, and electronic systems.

6. Automotive manufacturing technology programs prepare students for careers in the automotive industry. Courses typically cover topics such as design and simulation software, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, production automation, factory layout, lean manufacturing, and project management.

The best universities in the world

The University of Michigan is one of the top universities in the US for automotive engineering. Their College of Engineering ranks in the top three nationally for graduate programs, and their facilities include the Mobility Transformation Center, which is a two-acre public-private research center for auto-mobility research and development. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including both undergrad and graduate degrees, as well as specialized automotive degree programs focusing on advanced power-train design, autonomous vehicles, and manufacturing engineering.

Ecole des Mines de Paris (ENSMP) is one of the leading universities for automotive engineering in France. It offers undergraduate and graduate courses as well as research opportunities in a range of areas such as car design and development, power-train innovation, vehicle safety, noise and vibration reduction, and mobility systems.

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the top universities for automotive engineering in Germany. Its Automotive Engineering Institute is one of the largest in Europe and offers a Master's in Automotive Engineering as well as a range of research projects focused on current industry trends, such as riderless vehicles, fuel economy, and lightweight materials.

The University of Tokyo is strongly recognized among automotive engineering universities in Japan. It offers a range of automotive engineering-related courses and research, including its Bachelor of Science in Automotive Engineering and Masters of Science in Automotive Design programs. It also has an Automotive Engineering Research Center and a Vehicle Control Research Center.

The University of Surrey is one of the top universities for automotive engineering in the UK. It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, research, and industrial linkages in areas such as design and optimization, advanced materials, combustion engine research, vehicle structures, and propulsion systems.