The automotive industry is an economic force that employs millions worldwide and has annual reported revenues of well over half a trillion dollars. It has also been an agent of social change, influencing the way we live. Automotive engineers have been at the center of these changes since the industry's inception: first with the creations and designs that got people and goods moving, and then with the improvements and refinements that moved them faster and further, in more comfort, and with greater safety.

The industry itself has been going through some dramatic changes as well, and the field of automotive engineering is changing right along with it. Greater awareness of and commitment to tackling environmental concerns have engineering teams exploring new materials and design processes that will result in cleaner-running and more-efficient vehicles. At the same time, escalating labor and material costs have engineers searching for ways to improve not only vehicle performance but operational efficiency as well. Even the automotive marketplace is changing. North America remains the largest market, but the industry is expanding dramatically throughout Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. In all these places, engineers are hard at work developing new engine designs, establishing new production facilities, and testing new materials and products.

Engineers in all disciplines will find their skills and background in demand across the whole of the industry's operations. General engineering skills can be a solid stepping-stone to careers in several specialized areas, including vehicle dynamics, NVH, ergonomics, and much more.

The automotive industry is currently adapting to meet the demands created by an expanding marketplace, increasing social concerns, and rising costs. To make the changes needed to meet these challenges, the industry will rely on engineers to find innovative solutions and deliver reliable results. If you are looking for an exciting, dynamic field that offers a wide range of career paths, the potential for overseas positions, and the promise of being part of one of the largest industries in the world, then the automotive industry just might be the industry for you.

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