DaimlerChrysler makes more than cars, and its researchers are also focused on developments that apply to the company's other corporate units, such as DaimlerChrysler Aerospace. Advances for aerospace often can be transferred to cars. Fuel-cell technology is one. We had the technology from our aerospace company, therefore we were the first. His colleague, Dr. Wolfgang Doenitz, director of energy supply and new propulsion systems, explained that DaimlerChrysler researchers are searching for solutions to the problems of the next generation.
Fuel is at the top of the list as the world's population and the number of cars steadily increase.
The challenge is to reduce emissions and fuel consumption but maintain functionality. In addition to fuel-cell technology, researchers in his department are working with other types of alternative propulsion systems, including hybrid systems that combine a diesel engine in the front of the vehicle and an electrical engine in the rear. Intelligent cars that allow drivers to sit back and relax while the car drives itself are still a way off. Cars equipped with cruise control that responds to road and traffic conditions exist as prototypes. Researcher Stefan Hahn explained that these cars are equipped with cameras attached to the windshield.