Vehicle Aerodynamics to Play Increasing Role in Drive to Improve Fuel Efficiency

With norms for emissions and fuel efficiency tightening, manufacturers are exploring new techniques to increase fuel efficiency. One of these is to decrease the weight of the vehicle with greater use of aluminum, carbon fiber and even graphene panels instead of steel. However, from a cost perspective, these options are relatively more expensive. Another options manufacturers are increasingly exploring is using vehicle aerodynamics to optimize airflow and thus increase fuel efficiency. Wind tunnel testing and computer aided design have been used in many recent models to come up with designs that can contribute to fuel efficiency and make a statement when it comes to style as well. One company that claims to have made significant breakthrough in this field is Magna International. The firm specializes in what it chooses to term active aerodynamic systems and using this technology to help automotive manufacurers to meet the regulatory norms.

Magna’s range of Actero Active Aerodynamic Systems include exterior vehicle components like active front deflectors and active grille shutters. Speaking about the new innovations, the President of Magna Exteriors, Grahame Burrow said that the company’s range of Actero Active Aerodynamic products point to new opportunities. The company is seeking to expand its innovative portfolio to assist clients from the automotive sector.

Magna began this drive with the debut of its first active aerodynamic product in 2012 and has since grown in this sector at a fast rate. The company’s latest product is a visible active grille shutter that will soon be seen on a 2017 model luxury vehicle. All of the products belongign to the Actero range are controlled by “smart actuators” which interact directly with the electronic systems inside the vehicle and deploy the aerodynamic systems on a needs-based basis based on different factors like the terrain and the vehicle’s speed.

“Delivering innovative solutions such as our active aerodynamic systems provide added value for our customers as they work towards meeting rising fuel economy standards,” said Swamy Kotagiri, Magna’s Chief Technology Officer. “Commercializing cleaner technologies is one of our key focus areas for innovation.”