The SAE 2014 World Congress, which takes place April 8-10 at Cobo Hall in Detroit, assembles the best talent in the automotive industry — experts, management teams, engineers, and executives — to collaborate and address current challenges, celebrate evolution and achievement over the last 100+ years, and promote the opportunities that are fundamental for a successful future.

This year, host company Hyundai and Tier 1 Strategic Partner Delphi are focusing on the theme of “Creating New Possibilities.” More than 11,000 engineers, engineering managers, industry executives, academics, and government personnel from more than 40 countries are registered to attend. (www.sae.org/congress )

Technology Trends

The Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle will be one of the vehicles featured in this year’s Ride & Drive.

Enhance your skills and creativity as you learn from industry experts through a technical program that is both relevant and stimulating. You’ll have the opportunity to attend technical sessions driven by over 1,500 technical experts on topics such as electronics, integrated design and manufacturing, smart grid, fuel cell power systems, powertrain and propulsion, safety, EV infrastructure, and advanced materials.

The FEV Powertrain Innovation Forum, sponsored by FEV, includes automotive technology trends that will help you gain insight into the big picture from more than 60 of the automotive industry and government’s top leaders.

Learn about the challenges OEMs and suppliers are facing with the rapid development and deployment of new technologies related to the Connected Vehicle, including the continuously constricting development time window that is available for such systems. On Board Diagnostics (OBD) is shifting from the engine and exhaust after-treatment system to in-cylinder measures such as missfire detection. Find out how pre-ignition is becoming a major topic driving emissions system performance and durability.

A session on active thermal management of powertrain system components will highlight why engineers must consider active control strategies and technologies including thermostats, water pumps, and heating/cooling systems that can be actively managed. Also in powertrains, you’ll learn how new trends toward “highly strung” engines and transmissions, start/stop operation, and electric and hybrid vehicles are shaping the future of quiet.

“Leveraging the Great Convergence” highlights the convergence of global CO2 and emissions mandates that is driving powertrain technology solutions worldwide. In addition, the impact of driver distraction is influencing advances in active safety and connectivity solutions. Learn how these forces are shaping global automotive decisions.

Find out how the Motor City is stepping on the gas to keep up with Silicon Valley. Success for Detroit’s automakers may depend on the industry bridging the gap between its traditional incremental innovation and the lightning-fast breakthroughs in consumer electronics.

For a complete agenda of management programs and sessions, go to www.sae.org/congress/attend/program .

Ride & Drive

In 2013, 1,500 riders waited eagerly for their opportunity to drive one of 25 cars, including the Ford Focus EV, Cadillac SRX, Fiat 500e, and many of the other participating OEMs’ and suppliers’ vehicles. For 2014, the Ride & Drive event will be next to the Exhibit Floor for a more integrated approach for attendees.

Ride & Drive is open to all registered attendees of SAE 2014 World Congress. Vehicles such as the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell vehicle will be ready for riders, and automakers will showcase innovative technologies such as advanced propulsion, recent launches, and specialty or halo vehicles. All vehicles are test-driven on a 10-minute course. For information on Ride & Drive dates and times, go to www.sae.org/congress/attend/special-events/ridedrive.htm .

Keynote Speakers

Keynote speakers this year will include Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and David J. Friedman, Acting Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Dr. Peter Phleps of the Institute for Mobility Research, BMW Group, will address how mobility has become a necessity to handle everyday life. But while developing countries have just recently entered the period of fast mobility growth, in many industrialized countries, one can find evidence for stagnating passenger travel. Learn about new possibilities for the future mobility market.

Also a keynote speaker, Myles Kovacs, President and Cofounder of DUB Magazine, has propelled DUB Publishing and its family of companies into an annual $50 million-plus business. He has partnered with such organizations as Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, Microsoft, Mobil 1, and NASCAR, targeting the youth market. He frequently addresses automotive industry leaders and members, appearing as a featured speaker at the SEMA Show, the Philadelphia and Detroit Auto Show Education Days, and the upcoming Automotive World Marketing Summit in 2013.

Find out more about the keynote speakers at www.sae.org/congress/keynote.htm .

Chat With the Experts

IAV Automotive Engineering is sponsoring the “Chat with the Experts” program, including technical experts in powertrain, electrification, alternative fuels, active and functional safety, infotainment, fleet development, and more. Chats will be organized into the areas of powertrain, safety systems, and vehicle electronics.

The Chats feature questions, answers, and interactive discussion between the experts and the audience. IAV is facilitating this type of technical dialogue by inviting experts from a wide variety of backgrounds to discuss the three unique challenges facing automotive engineers.

Go to the online program at www.sae.org/congress/attend/program/  for information on dates and times.