Automobile Engineering

Introduction
Automobile engineers design, test, develop and manufacture automobiles. You'll help the
automotive industry to meet new challenges, for example, making sure that cars are safe,
environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. As well as cars, you could also work on buses,
coaches, tanks, racing cars and other vehicles.

Work Activities
As an Automobile Engineer, you will design, test, develop and manufacture automobiles. You'll
usually specialize in one of these areas.
Designing and developing a vehicle involves a wide range of engineering knowledge. For
example, you'll use your knowledge of mechanical engineering, combustion, vehicle structures
and aerodynamics. You'll also need knowledge of IT, and electronic/electrical systems, which
are becoming increasingly sophisticated in modern vehicles. You might specialize in design. You
will need to consider the strength, safety, efficiency, appearance and cost of parts. You might
also consider feedback from customers when making improvements to a vehicle. In design
work, you will use computer-aided design (CAD) technology.
Some Automobile Engineers specialize in research and development. In this area you will need
to consider cost, safety and comfort (including crash and safety testing), fuel efficiency and
environmental issues such as reducing carbon emissions. Environmental issues are a very big
factor is today's automobile industry. Low carbon research is an exciting area to
Be involved in. As a Research Automobile Engineer, you could work on both new and existing
products. For example, you might create new technologies such as electric batteries and bio-
diesel engines. You'll also test safety and performance by using prototypes.

To become an Automobile Engineer, you need:

Knowledge of many different aspects of engineering, including mechanical engineering,
combustion, aerodynamics , electrical/electronic systems, and fuel technology
The ability to think in an orderly and logical way
Imagination and an inquisitive mind
You should be able to work to deadlines and budgets and to work well under pressure
Excellent communication skills to work in a team with others, such as Design Engineers,
Engineering Technicians and Production Workers
Advanced computer skills, for example, to develop the sophisticated computer equipment
used in modern vehicles
To keep up to date with changes in technology and research techniques