Automotive Features: Mass Impact and Deployment Characterization by Stephen M. Zoepf Submitted to the Engineering Systems Division on May 13, 2011, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Technology and Policy Abstract Passenger car use is a major driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and fossil fuel consumption in the United States. Vehicles continue to incorporate increasing levels of technology, these advances do not translate directly into improved fuel economy. Vehicle weight, interior volume and performance have all grown substantially in the past 30 years, as has feature content. This thesis shows that safety features, emissions controls, and optional equipment account for a total mass that mirrors growth in vehicle mass during this time pe- riod. Chief among these are optional features designed to improve the comfort and convenience of passenger cars. This thesis also examines historical deployment rates of vehicle features. Safety features and emissions controls achieve faster deployment rates than other optional features. While these features are those most governed by regulation, it is not clear that regulations push technology deployment rates higher. Automotive product de- velopment is complex and features require significant time to overcome deployment constraints. This lag time, from first production use to most rapid deployment across the vehicle fleet, is found to be exponentially decreasing for all feature types and has dropped to approximately a decade. These analyses provide two countering assessments. New vehicles will continue to grow heavier due to the continued incorporation of new features, but technology that may improve overall eciency can be brought to market ever faster. Thesis Supervisor: Professor John B. Heywood Title: Professor of Mechanical Engineering Sun Jae Professor, Emeritus 3
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