World-wide trends in powertrain system development in light of emissions legislation, fuels, lubricants, and test methods

Both the light- and heavy-duty sectors of the automotive industry are currently under unprecedented pressure from a wide range of factors, particularly in terms of environmental performance and fuel consumption. Test procedures have undergone massive changes and continue to evolve, meaning that standards are becoming much harder to meet, especially in Europe but also in other continents. Such developments force changes in testing methodology, the development of powertrains themselves and their aftertreatment systems and strategies and calibrations. This paper reports and summarises the topics of the PTNSS Congress and attempts a synthesis on the current status of the field of LD ad HD IC engines, hybrid powertrains and electric vehicles, engine fuel and oil and what the coming years may hold for the automotive and fuel industries and other allied fields.