Inside the machine: An engineer's tale of the modern automotive industry

The book tells the story of the modern car industry from the inside, exploring the design, engineering, and manufacturing of mass-production cars. It follows the author's journey around the globe, working for Nissan, Renault, and Alpine, and reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of three well-known vehicles. It aims to show the real work that goes on behind the glamour of Motor Shows and press releases.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Veloce Publishing Ltd

The modern car industry is a complex and fascinating world, with carmakers playing a crucial role in shaping our daily lives. This book tells the story of the modern car industry from the inside, through the journey of the author, a young graduate engineer working for Nissan in the UK, to working for Nissan in Japan and, finally, for Renault in France as Chief Engineer of its 'halo sports car, designed to relaunch the Alpine brand. The story is told through the author's own experiences, as well as interviews with industry experts and engineers. The book seeks to show the real work that goes on behind the glamour of the Motor Shows and the well-honed corporate press releases, work that is sometimes exciting, but often grindingly difficult.

The book begins by exploring the design and engineering of mass-production cars. The author explains how carmakers use computer-aided design (CAD) and other technologies to create vehicles that are safe, efficient, and stylish. They also discuss the challenges of designing cars that can meet the diverse needs of consumers around the world.

Next, the book explores the manufacturing process of cars. The author explains how cars are built from scratch, from the raw materials to the finished product. They discuss the various stages of production, including welding, painting, and assembly, and the importance of quality control.

The book also explores the role of engineers in the car industry. The author explains how engineers are responsible for designing and developing new technologies, as well as improving existing ones. They discuss the challenges of working on complex projects, such as electric vehicles and autonomous driving, and the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

One of the key themes of the book is the impact of the car industry on the environment. The author explains how carmakers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and improve fuel efficiency. They discuss the various technologies that are being developed, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cells, and the challenges of implementing these technologies.

The book also explores the role of the car industry in society. The author explains how cars have changed the way we live, work, and play, and how they have contributed to social inequality. They discuss the efforts of carmakers to address these issues, such as through the development of affordable cars and the promotion of sustainable transportation.

Throughout the book, the author shares his own experiences and insights. He describes the challenges he faced as a young engineer, as well as the rewards of working in the car industry. He also provides examples of successful vehicles and the stories behind their development.

One of the most interesting stories in the book is the development of the Nissan Qashqai. The Qashqai was a groundbreaking vehicle that introduced a new design language to the car industry. The author explains how the Qashqai was designed to be both practical and stylish, and how it was developed using a combination of computer-aided design and traditional engineering techniques.

Another interesting story is the development of the Renault ZOE. The ZOE was a groundbreaking electric vehicle that was designed to be affordable and practical. The author explains how the ZOE was developed using a combination of computer-aided design and traditional engineering techniques, and how it has been successful in the market.

The book also explores the development of the Alpine A110. The A110 was a sports car that was designed to relaunch the Alpine brand. The author explains how the A110 was designed to be both stylish and practical, and how it was developed using a combination of computer-aided design and traditional engineering techniques.

In addition to the stories of the Nissan Qashqai, the Renault ZOE, and the Alpine A110, the book also includes interviews with industry experts and engineers. These interviews provide valuable insights into the current state of the car industry and the future of transportation.

One of the key takeaways from the book is the importance of innovation in the car industry. The author explains how carmakers are constantly innovating to improve their products and services. They discuss the challenges of innovation, such as the need to balance cost and quality, and the importance of collaboration and teamwork.

Another key takeaway from the book is the importance of sustainability in the car industry. The author explains how carmakers are working to reduce their carbon footprint and improve fuel efficiency. They discuss the various technologies that are being developed, such as electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and fuel cells, and the challenges of implementing these technologies.

In conclusion, this book is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in the modern car industry. It tells the story of the modern car industry from the inside, through the journey of the author, a young graduate engineer working for Nissan in the UK, to working for Nissan in Japan and, finally, for Renault in France as Chief Engineer of its 'halo sports car, designed to relaunch the Alpine brand. The book explores the design and engineering of mass-production cars, the manufacturing process of cars, the role of engineers in the car industry, the impact of the car industry on the environment, and the role of the car industry in society. It also includes interviews with industry experts and engineers, which provide valuable insights into the current state of the car industry and the future of transportation. Whether you are a car enthusiast, a student of engineering, or just someone who is interested in the world around you, this book is a must-read.

Dimension: 210 x 148 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787119123
Edition number: New ed