Tuesday 31 May 2016
Wednesday 4 May 2016
Automotive Technology Research Assignment
The DeLorean: Creating an Iconic Vehicle
http://deloreanhistory.blogspot.ca/
http://deloreanhistory.blogspot.ca/
Automobile Body Styles and Designs
Automobile Body Styles
Convertible
A convertible provides an open-air passage cabin for traveling in good weather and the protection of a retractable roof when weather conditions turn unpleasant! During the early history of the automobile, convertibles were the only types of cars available, most likely because they were based on carriages that were usually very open as well. Today, it is considered an automobile lifestyle choice best suited for warmer climates that we associated with fame and fortune. A few companies who make convertibles are Bentley, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce.
Coupe
Coupes are often the sporty variants of saloon cars, with doors reduced from four to two. The body style of the Coupe varies from car-maker to car-maker and one can look very, very different compared to another! Not many cars are like this and look relatively the same all the time and that makes this style pretty special. Some companies that make this style of car are Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini and Lincoln.
Luxury Car
A luxury car is considered the peak of driving comfort and aspires to provide the most rewarding sensation of motoring. Based on the expense of early automobiles, the luxury car was one of the first vehicle types established. One key element of the luxury car is the price compared to conventional automobiles. The comfort level and technology that goes into this car is the reason for this price so it is obviously worth it in the long run! Also, new automobile technology is usually fitted to luxury cars first, like air conditioning and electric starters. Some companies that produce luxury cars are Ford, BMW and Hyundai.
SUV
Hatchback
1. How long can it take to design a car? What phase (or stage) do they start off with?
When designing a new vehicle, the manufacturers begin with the sketching phase and it typically takes about three years to complete. However, it varies between cars and companies.
2. Why is design called problem solving?
Convertible
A convertible provides an open-air passage cabin for traveling in good weather and the protection of a retractable roof when weather conditions turn unpleasant! During the early history of the automobile, convertibles were the only types of cars available, most likely because they were based on carriages that were usually very open as well. Today, it is considered an automobile lifestyle choice best suited for warmer climates that we associated with fame and fortune. A few companies who make convertibles are Bentley, Ferrari and Rolls-Royce.
http://cars.axlegeeks.com/compare/4185-16584/2014-Ford-Mustang-Convertible-vs-2015-Audi-A3-Convertible
Coupe
Coupes are often the sporty variants of saloon cars, with doors reduced from four to two. The body style of the Coupe varies from car-maker to car-maker and one can look very, very different compared to another! Not many cars are like this and look relatively the same all the time and that makes this style pretty special. Some companies that make this style of car are Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini and Lincoln.
http://www.edmunds.com/coupe/
A luxury car is considered the peak of driving comfort and aspires to provide the most rewarding sensation of motoring. Based on the expense of early automobiles, the luxury car was one of the first vehicle types established. One key element of the luxury car is the price compared to conventional automobiles. The comfort level and technology that goes into this car is the reason for this price so it is obviously worth it in the long run! Also, new automobile technology is usually fitted to luxury cars first, like air conditioning and electric starters. Some companies that produce luxury cars are Ford, BMW and Hyundai.
http://www.mostluxuriouslist.com/most-luxurious-ways-to-travel-around-the-world/
Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) are built on a truck frame, and harness utility attributes and powerful engine performance. SUVs are often associated with toughness and their on-road and off-road handling manners. Originally constructed as four-wheel drive vehicles intent to handle off-road trails, SUVs have increasingly become the vehicle of choice for luxury-minded drivers with products like the Range Rover and Cadillac Escalade. In my opinion, Range Rovers are the nicest cars ever alongside MINI Coopers, so I can definitely see an SUV in my future. Some other companies that produce SUVs are Subaru, Mercury, and Mazda.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features/best-suvs-2015-best-small-suv-crossover-suv-mid-size-suv-and-luxury-suv
Hatchback
The body of a hatchback vehicle has a sporty design and functional improvements such as increased fuel efficiency and interior space. Some of the least expensive new cars on the market are hatchback’s because of their aerodynamic body shape and low weight that helps achieve strong fuel efficiency. Sport compact hatchbacks deliver excellent performance thanks to its unique high power-to-weight ratio. Some companies that produce this body style are Kia, Scion, and FIAT.
Automobile Design
http://www.ign.com/boards/threads/god-the-mazda-3-2014-hatchback-is-so-sexy.454172709/
Automobile Design
1. How long can it take to design a car? What phase (or stage) do they start off with?
When designing a new vehicle, the manufacturers begin with the sketching phase and it typically takes about three years to complete. However, it varies between cars and companies.
2. Why is design called problem solving?
Automobile design is called problem solving because the manufacturers have an industrial design degree that falls under a fine arts profession degree but they are not “fine artists” in the sense that they can do whatever they want. They are always given a set of engineering constraints and a criteria that they must use to come up with a product that is aesthetically pleasing to the consumer that follows every aspect of the criteria. It is like problem solving because every idea has to fit a very specific spot like a puzzle piece, and even the smallest error can prevent the idea from flourishing.
3. What is the feasibility stage? (What do they have to match up?)
The feasibility stage is the biggest part of the production of a vehicle. They start by taking the sketches that look the best and try to evolve them into something that maintains the theme but also fits with the most important engineering points. This means that they can create and sketch an idea that seems amazing but when it comes to actually making it, it could be impossible. So, they have to be very careful of what is possible and when isn’t. In this phase, the manufacturers work closely with engineers, marketing and product planners to produce the best possible product for their consumers.
4. Do you think designing an automobile or other type of vehicle would interest you? Explain.
Yes, I think that I would be interested in designing an automobile or other type of vehicle because creating an idea and having it become a reality would be very exciting. There are many aspects of the automotive industry but I think that if I had a career in this department I wouldn’t hate it as much. I also would like it because it involves drawing!
The feasibility stage is the biggest part of the production of a vehicle. They start by taking the sketches that look the best and try to evolve them into something that maintains the theme but also fits with the most important engineering points. This means that they can create and sketch an idea that seems amazing but when it comes to actually making it, it could be impossible. So, they have to be very careful of what is possible and when isn’t. In this phase, the manufacturers work closely with engineers, marketing and product planners to produce the best possible product for their consumers.
4. Do you think designing an automobile or other type of vehicle would interest you? Explain.
Yes, I think that I would be interested in designing an automobile or other type of vehicle because creating an idea and having it become a reality would be very exciting. There are many aspects of the automotive industry but I think that if I had a career in this department I wouldn’t hate it as much. I also would like it because it involves drawing!
Careers and Certification in the Automotive Industry
Careers in the Automotive Industry
1. What are some of the high-tech systems on automobiles today that were unheard of 30 years ago?
High-tech systems on automobiles today that were unheard of thirty years ago include stability and traction control systems, adaptive cruise control, variable valve timing and an electric car, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid were not even an idea at this time.
2. What areas should young people have skills in for a career as an automotive technician?
Young people looking for a career as an automotive technician should be talented in math, science, communications and technical skills.
3. What are some advantages in obtaining an education as an automotive technicians versus other high-tech educational options?
Unlike many other high-tech careers that require four, six, or even eight years of college, automotive technology careers can begin after just two years of education. Lifelong learning and continuing education is necessary, but students in automotive technology can get out into the real world sooner – and with less college debt.
4. How many new jobs and at what percentage of growth do they forecast will occur in the automotive technician field up to 2020?
The automotive repair and maintenance industry is expected to add 237,500 new jobs and have a thirty percent growth rate through the year 2020. This will make technicians one of the top twenty jobs with pretty high median earnings and the potential for significant job openings over the next decade.
5. What is one thing that the automotive technician career is fairly "immune" to that has threatened other careers?
One thing that the automotive technician career is fairly “immune” to that has threatened other careers is that a lot of jobs in departments like manufacturing, computer programming, customer call-center work and accounting services all go overseas. Automotive service and repair don’t need to!
6. Name at least four other positions that an automotive technician can do in the automotive industry.
Four other positions that an automotive technician can do in the automotive industry include work in
7. Why is the automotive technician role sometimes called "the portal career"?
The role as an automotive technician is sometimes called “the portal career” because so many people have started their careers in the automotive aftermarket as an automotive technician that it can serve as a base to determine where your future career lies, and it is far from a dead-end career unlike most other careers.
In the video “A Career as an Automotive Technician, it showed the basic work that an automotive technician does everyday. After watching this video, I don’t think that I would enjoy being an automotive technician because no aspects of the career appeal to me. The routine seems quite boring and I would prefer a career where I am not bored and frustrated all day. Something I found extremely interesting about this video was the small computer that the automotive technician plugs into the car that will tell them in a code what should be checked on the car and what is wrong with it. I found this very interesting because it would be a very useful tool to anyone who works on cars and it is interesting that technology can tell what is wrong with a car in a matter of minutes with just one step! Also, I found it interesting when the video showed some new technological advancements in some cars that affect the careers of automotive technicians. The technicians need to be able to maintain the systems like solar roofs, lane assists that know where the lane ends, and parking sensors. These technological advancements are very interesting and I had never thought about how the automotive technicians need to know about all of them! Becoming an automotive technician requires lifelong learning and it is very important and necessary. It makes sense as well because, considering how the technology is used in cars is constantly developing, the automotive technicians would need to know everything about them and how to fix them. So, the lifelong learning is obviously necessary is the technician wants to keep their business up to date and be able to serve everyone no matter what kind of car they have! I think that if someone is considering a career as an automotive technician, they should be skilled in hands on work, problem solving, customer service (speaking and communicating well) and also have a good understanding of math, computers, mechanics, and electronics.
Certification in the Automotive Industry
NATEF - The purpose of the independent, non-profit organization, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is to improve the quality of automotive technician programs nationwide at secondary, post-secondary, public and proprietary schools. To accomplish this, NATEF examines the structure and general quality of different training programs and evaluates them against standards established by the industry. The organization also works with students to increase career awareness opportunities in the automotive repair industry.
SGS - The purpose and goal of the company SGS is to help every player in the automotive industry improve performance and reduce risks. The services they provide focus on the design, construction and operation of motor vehicle inspection solutions all over the world.
ASE - ASE, short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is an independent, non-profit organization that has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Their company promotes excellence in automotive repair and service, and over 300,000 Automotive Technician and Service Professionals hold certifications from this company.
Jobs In The Automotive Industry
After reading the article “The 10 Best Jobs in the Automotive Universe”, I think that out of all the jobs listed the one I would enjoy the most would be a car designer. I would enjoy this job the most out of the ones listed because you would be given a lot of freedom to just brainstorm any ideas you have and then that idea could be turned into a reality. Also, i think I would like it because if you design a car that actually gets made and becomes popular all over the world, it would be exciting to see your work out there like that. On this list, I think that the job I would dislike the most would be a racecar driver. I don’t think I would like this career because even though it pays very well if you make it into the big races, it would be pretty terrifying in my opinion! You would go to work everyday and you wouldn’t know if you would die in an accident or not. I personally don’t care about the money a job makes, if I like what I’m doing it’s alright with me and I would definitely turn down this job, even if I was going to make a ton of money.
1. What are some of the high-tech systems on automobiles today that were unheard of 30 years ago?
High-tech systems on automobiles today that were unheard of thirty years ago include stability and traction control systems, adaptive cruise control, variable valve timing and an electric car, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid were not even an idea at this time.
2. What areas should young people have skills in for a career as an automotive technician?
Young people looking for a career as an automotive technician should be talented in math, science, communications and technical skills.
3. What are some advantages in obtaining an education as an automotive technicians versus other high-tech educational options?
Unlike many other high-tech careers that require four, six, or even eight years of college, automotive technology careers can begin after just two years of education. Lifelong learning and continuing education is necessary, but students in automotive technology can get out into the real world sooner – and with less college debt.
4. How many new jobs and at what percentage of growth do they forecast will occur in the automotive technician field up to 2020?
The automotive repair and maintenance industry is expected to add 237,500 new jobs and have a thirty percent growth rate through the year 2020. This will make technicians one of the top twenty jobs with pretty high median earnings and the potential for significant job openings over the next decade.
5. What is one thing that the automotive technician career is fairly "immune" to that has threatened other careers?
One thing that the automotive technician career is fairly “immune” to that has threatened other careers is that a lot of jobs in departments like manufacturing, computer programming, customer call-center work and accounting services all go overseas. Automotive service and repair don’t need to!
6. Name at least four other positions that an automotive technician can do in the automotive industry.
Four other positions that an automotive technician can do in the automotive industry include work in
- parts, parts distribution and wholesaling
- collision repair, painting and damage estimating
- vehicle maintenance, repair and performance upgrades
- motorsports
The role as an automotive technician is sometimes called “the portal career” because so many people have started their careers in the automotive aftermarket as an automotive technician that it can serve as a base to determine where your future career lies, and it is far from a dead-end career unlike most other careers.
In the video “A Career as an Automotive Technician, it showed the basic work that an automotive technician does everyday. After watching this video, I don’t think that I would enjoy being an automotive technician because no aspects of the career appeal to me. The routine seems quite boring and I would prefer a career where I am not bored and frustrated all day. Something I found extremely interesting about this video was the small computer that the automotive technician plugs into the car that will tell them in a code what should be checked on the car and what is wrong with it. I found this very interesting because it would be a very useful tool to anyone who works on cars and it is interesting that technology can tell what is wrong with a car in a matter of minutes with just one step! Also, I found it interesting when the video showed some new technological advancements in some cars that affect the careers of automotive technicians. The technicians need to be able to maintain the systems like solar roofs, lane assists that know where the lane ends, and parking sensors. These technological advancements are very interesting and I had never thought about how the automotive technicians need to know about all of them! Becoming an automotive technician requires lifelong learning and it is very important and necessary. It makes sense as well because, considering how the technology is used in cars is constantly developing, the automotive technicians would need to know everything about them and how to fix them. So, the lifelong learning is obviously necessary is the technician wants to keep their business up to date and be able to serve everyone no matter what kind of car they have! I think that if someone is considering a career as an automotive technician, they should be skilled in hands on work, problem solving, customer service (speaking and communicating well) and also have a good understanding of math, computers, mechanics, and electronics.
Certification in the Automotive Industry
NATEF - The purpose of the independent, non-profit organization, National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) is to improve the quality of automotive technician programs nationwide at secondary, post-secondary, public and proprietary schools. To accomplish this, NATEF examines the structure and general quality of different training programs and evaluates them against standards established by the industry. The organization also works with students to increase career awareness opportunities in the automotive repair industry.
SGS - The purpose and goal of the company SGS is to help every player in the automotive industry improve performance and reduce risks. The services they provide focus on the design, construction and operation of motor vehicle inspection solutions all over the world.
ASE - ASE, short for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, is an independent, non-profit organization that has worked to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Their company promotes excellence in automotive repair and service, and over 300,000 Automotive Technician and Service Professionals hold certifications from this company.
Jobs In The Automotive Industry
After reading the article “The 10 Best Jobs in the Automotive Universe”, I think that out of all the jobs listed the one I would enjoy the most would be a car designer. I would enjoy this job the most out of the ones listed because you would be given a lot of freedom to just brainstorm any ideas you have and then that idea could be turned into a reality. Also, i think I would like it because if you design a car that actually gets made and becomes popular all over the world, it would be exciting to see your work out there like that. On this list, I think that the job I would dislike the most would be a racecar driver. I don’t think I would like this career because even though it pays very well if you make it into the big races, it would be pretty terrifying in my opinion! You would go to work everyday and you wouldn’t know if you would die in an accident or not. I personally don’t care about the money a job makes, if I like what I’m doing it’s alright with me and I would definitely turn down this job, even if I was going to make a ton of money.
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