Special alloys, compounds, shape-memory polymers and metamaterials. The automotive industry continues on its quest to create more efficient vehicles. Exhaust pipes capable of recovering energy from heat, self-repairing tires and chassis able to switch from rigid to flexible in case of accidents. These are some of the possible applications of new and groundbreaking materials still in the testing phase.
 

“Intelligent” tires thanks to cutting-edge sensors placed in the tread. Microchips able to detect the conditions of the road, the surrounding environment and to monitor pressure and temperature in order to adapt the behavior of the vehicle. These are just some of the changes that are already affecting the automotive sector and will soon become everyday reality.
 

Several manufacturers have already developed highly innovative and hybrid solutions designed to increase efficiency. Completing the picture, the 48V power supply revolution. A new technical horizon that specialists must learn to face within a few years.

“Self-driving cars” will greatly limit the number of accidents on the roads and old insurance policies will soon be eliminated. Nevertheless, according to Matteo Carbone, director of the Connected Insurance Observatory, new policies against cyber risks, integrated services as well as the use of the so called “black box” represents a new business opportunity for insurance companies.
 

Self-driven, always connected and able to communicate with people, objects and surrounding infrastructures. Connected cars are bound to change the automotive market as well as the aftermarket. A challenge for vehicle manufacturers, traditional OEMs and hi-tech enterprises, wherein “cyber security” will play a crucial role.