Historical Factors Affecting Todays Industry

Up until that time, product portfolios within the big three automakers (Ford, Chrysler, and GM) had a typical averaged horsepower rating (for a 1972 mid-sized coupe) of 250-300 bhp with vehicle masses up to 3,900 lb, depending on the options. 

Much of the vehicle mass was made up of metallic components that were later replaced by composites (e.g., intake manifolds, rocker covers, brackets). In addition, the efficiencies of these engines were not very good and needed to be improved. 

Another factor facing U.S. automakers was foreign competition, specifically that from Japan. In 1964, Japanese four-wheeled motor vehicle exports were just over 100,000 [3], However, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), in 1965 a 51.9% share of the export market in 1965 rose steadily to a 73% share in 1971. Passenger car exports in Japan s total automobile production output rose from 10.4% in 1965 to 40% in 1974 unit figures rose from 100,000 in 1965 to 1,827,000 in 1975 [4], 

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In this chapter I present some well known historic factors of past events and how they affect us today. In addition, I present a simple model of how the automobile industry develops and designs a product and the opportunities present for a chemist s involvement. 

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