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Automotive Technology
Vehicle concepts – smart mobility – vehicle dynamics and control systems – driver assistance and safety –
electric vehicle components
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Under the direction of Prof. Lienkamp, the Institute of Automotive Technology deals with all
the requirements of mobility. Particular emphasis in research is on electro mobility, as well as
its components and infrastructure. There are five research groups with different subject areas:
Vehicle Dynamics and Control Systems, Driver Assistance and Safety, Vehicle Concepts, Electric
Vehicle Components and Smart Mobility.
Mobility for Africa – testing of the ‘aCar’ and presentation at the IAA 2017
With the objective of providing sustainable mobility for
rural regions in sub-Saharan Africa the Institutes of Auto-
motive Technology, Metal Forming and Casting, Industrial
Design and Strategy and Organization have developed
the first prototype of the aCar project. In order to verify
the estimated assumptions regarding environments of use
and vehicle design, the first prototype has been tested in
Ghana. Another highlight in 2017 was the development of
the second prototype and its presentation to the public at
the IAA.
The objective of the on-site vehicle trial was the confor-
mation of assumptions regarding electric vehicle design,
driving profile of prospective users and environmental
conditions.
Various user tests verified the aCar’s range. Furthermore,
the tests proved the assumptions regarding the external
influences like temperature, road profile and traffic flow.
Conducting driving dynamic tests, driving safety and
cross-country mobility under conditions prevailing in
The second prototype and the development team at the International Automotive Show in Frankfurt
sub-Saharan Africa were secured. Thereby the experience
gained, emphasize the aCar’s ability to tackle the chal-
lenges of providing sustainable mobility.
Prototype testing in Kumasi, Ghana