Auto research and development is an exciting field. Those who work in research and development departments in automotive companies get to discover new ways to design and build cars for the public. Car research and development is also responsible for improving new fuel technologies, which now include hybrid and fully electric fuel systems.

Those who want to work in automotive research and development will need skills in research, auto systems, and even marketing. Because the auto industry research is very competitive, only the most qualified will be hired to work for a research and development firm. Choose automotive research and development education and training provided by:

1. Colleges and universities with a degree program in automotive engineering.

2. Trade shows that provide a look at prototypes from other companies.

3. Continuing education resources for automotive industry research

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Train to be an automotive engineer and work in auto R and D

If you want to work in R and D for automobiles, you should start your education with basic knowledge car and truck systems. This way, you'll learn about the mechanics of an automobile, as well as the design process. Many four-year programs provide the skills necessary to work with research and development teams that design and perform laboratory tests.

I recommend: Michigan Technological University offers an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering technology that focuses on the testing and designing mechanical systems. For additional training, the University of Michigan provides a master's degree program in automotive engineering that has a large focus on advanced laboratory research.

Explore automobile research and development through internships

To get a close-up look at the automotive R & D industry, apply for internships with automobile manufacturers. Manufacturers offer a variety of internship positions in research and development during the summer months. To qualify for an internship, you must be seeking a bachelor's or master's degree and have at least a year of automotive-related experience.

I recommend: Honda offers cooperative educational opportunities and internship positions at its research and development department. Ford Motors offers a summer internship in research and development where you'll apply advanced engineering skills.

Get continuing education in automotive technology research

Research and development is a constantly changing industry. New technologies are emerging faster than ever, so automotive engineers should enroll in continuing education programs. These programs teach new technologies, new concepts and laboratory testing practices.

I recommend: SAE International offers many seminars for the automotive industry that include training on testing and design processes. Kettering University offers a continuing education program for professionals in the automotive engineering industry. The Federal Lab Consortium for Technology Transfer offers continuing education resources through a network of technology labs. The Center for Automotive Research organizes and annual conference where industry players, academics and regulators come together to exchange new information.

Increasingly, firms want to do business with companies that are developing automotive technologies. Though oil still plays a role, auto industry research companies are looking for alternative fuel technologies, such as using hydrogen and electricity.

Auto R and D companies are looking to incorporate various technologies into their vehicles, such as wireless Internet access, to increase value along with fuel efficiency. As you do your auto industry research, consider the three following fuel efficiency technologies:

1. Look into car research and development companies that make hybrid electrical vehicles.

2. Consider auto R & D companies that convert hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles.

3. Check auto industry research companies that make hydrogen-powered cars.

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Consider automotive research and development companies that make hybrid electrical vehicles

Hybrid vehicles reduce both fuel consumption and emissions. These auto industry R&D companies use regenerative braking technology, which can recycle energy and save it to electrical accessories. For example, if the hybrid goes in reverse, regenerative braking turns into an electric generator. That energy, which is converted into electricity, is stored in a chemical storage battery. Later, the hybrid can use that electricity as power.

I recommend: Toyota strongly believes in investing heavily in automotive industry research. This automotive research company makes the Prius, one of the top hybrid cars. You’ll also want to look at Ford, which is a strong automobile research and development company. Ford makes the Escape, an SUV hybrid. You can get up to 34 miles per gallon.

Consider auto R&D companies that convert hybrid vehicles into plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles

Auto research and development companies have worked on engineering plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles to travel a long distance without using gasoline. With plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles, you can recharge the battery by connecting the plug to a power source. Current, existing hybrid vehicles can be converted into plug-in hybrid electrical vehicles (PHEVs).

I recommend: A123 Hymotion is an auto R & D company that offers this conversion program. You can get up to 100 mpg for 30-40 miles if you let the company install this upgrade kit. Hybrids Plus also makes upgrade conversion kits. The kits work for both the Prius and Ford Escape.

Consider auto industry research companies that make hydrogen-powered vehicles

Hydrogen-powered vehicles are not as widely available as the hybrids. The abilities to produce, distribute and sell hydrogen are the main reasons it's difficult to find them on the market. Auto research and development companies have designed these vehicles so that the only emission they produce is water. Another plus is that hydrogen-powered vehicles get more miles per gallon than hybrids.

I recommend: Honda has developed a hydrogen-powered car, FCX Clarity. It can be leased for three years and includes maintenance and collision insurance. The FCX Clarity is limited to a certain number of residents who live in California. General Motors also is experimenting with a fuel cell vehicle, Sequel. On one tank of hydrogen, you can drive up to 300 miles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To keep abreast of what's going on in automotive research and development, you should go USCAR's (United States Council for Automotive Research) website frequently. This website informs you of current happenings in the industry regarding technology.

Automotive research and development is an ever-changing field that encompasses everything from how to make vehicles more fuel efficient to how to sell more cars by making vehicles on the cutting edge of style. When it comes to learning about automotive research and development, it's smart to familiarize yourself with a few key terms, especially in the area of fuel efficiency, so that you'll be able to understand the research and development projects being discussed.

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Zero-emission vehicle

A zero-emission vehicle, or ZEV, as it's otherwise known, is a vehicle that produces next to zero emissions during operation. Some states are now requiring an 'environmental performance' label on cars purchased at a dealership. Part of the environmental performance label will include information on the amount of emissions released.

I recommend: The California Environmental Protection Agency has a comprehensive guide on the different measurements taken to determine if a vehicle qualifies for a zero-emission or near-zero-emission rating.

Hydrogen-fuel cell

A hydrogen-fuel cell refers to a tank that stores high-pressure hydrogen gas or hydrogen-rich fuels like natural gas or methanol. The fuel cell uses a mix of hydrogen and oxygen (taken from the air) to create electricity.

I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy offers an in-depth look at new kinds of fuel cells being studied in automotive research and development.

Flex fuel

Flex-fuel vehicles refers to vehicles that run on about 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol. The mixture of the two fuels is therefore called flex fuel.

I recommend: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discusses flex fuel and how it is part of automotive research and development.

Direct-fuel injection

Direct-fuel injection refers to the process of injecting the fuel directly into the cylinder chamber. This differs from the conventional process where air is mixed with fuel before it is pumped into the cylinder chamber. Direct-fuel injection allows a smaller amount of gas to be used, thus lowering fuel consumption per mile.

I recommend: Fuel Economy.gov examines how direct-fuel injection operates.

Biofuels

Biofuels are fuel sources that are derived from living biological material. Shortly after the biological material is harvested, it is converted into fuel. For instance, corn can be harvested and eventually turned into ethanol, and soybeans can eventually be processed (when mixed with fuel) into biodiesel. Biofuels can be replanted so they can be harvested again and again.

I recommend: Center for Applied Energy Research has a discussion on research and technology in relation to biofuels.

Waste-exhaust heat

Waste-exhaust heat refers to the heat that's expelled from your car engine through the tailpipe. Long thought to be a useless byproduct, waste-exhaust heat is now being studied by automotive research and development firms that are trying to harness and reuse it.

I recommend: Green Car.com has a comprehensive discussion on possible uses of waste-exhaust heat.