Over the past few years significant progress has been achieved in the field of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC), also referred to as receding horizon control or moving horizon control. More than 250 papers have been published in 2006 in ISI Journals. With this book we want to bring together the contributions of a diverse group of internationally well recognized researchers and industrial practitioners, to critically assess the current status of the NMPC field and to discuss future directions and needs. The book consists of selected papers presented at the International Workshop on Assessment an Future Directions of Nonlinear Model Predictive Control that took place from September 5 to 9, 2008, in Pavia, Italy.