A wide variety of materials are used in automotive parts, and most of them are mechanical components. Steels are most widely used for the power train and automotive body construction, and the materials and their processing have been steadily improved. The use of aluminium alloys and polymeric materials have been contributed to the reduction in fuel consumption rates due to the lightweight nature. This book reviews research on material and automotive technologies, as well as how materials work for technological innovations, with particular emphasis placed on the relation between materials science and the performance of automobiles.

Industrial technologies have rapidly developed since the Industrial Revolution, and technological progress during the 19th century had been significantly promoted by the great inventors of that century including James Watt, Alfred Nobel and Thomas Edison. In the 20th century, progress was remarkably promoted by activities in corporate research laboratories and advanced products such as nylon and transistors were developed. Industrial products have progressed with the incremental improvements of conventional products while technological advances are associated with progress in science. Understanding human need and the scientific background around technologies are thus indispensable for further advancement in industrial product production. This book presents an overview of the essential concepts relating to industrial technology and is intended to provide essential information for engineers and researchers involved in research and development.