ATA is pleased to announce the forthcoming 5^th edition of the International Conference on Advanced Chassis Systems.

Perhaps the most important keyword regarding the future trends expected for vehicle development is efficiency. Indeed efficiency is an absolute necessity regarding the development of each sub-system and component in the vehicle because of the paramount importance of reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.

However other keywords today are simplification and integration of systems, particularly important given that the number of new electronic control devices being used on vehicles has continued to increase rapidly over recent years. The need for simplification reflects the growing demand for low cost vehicles which increasingly incorporate electrified chassis systems to meet the stringent legal and safety requirements, but where the applications of actively controlled solutions are limited by highly competitive market conditions and the marked emphasis on reducing costs. Furthermore the integration of different systems will need to proceed in parallel with the general push towards the electrification of the vehicle: Suspensions, steering, braking systems, latest technology by-wire and active response systems can all benefit in terms of performance and efficiency from highly integrated control strategies.

This conference intends to focus on all the issues which today are influencing the development and potential market penetration of advanced chassis systems particularly in the context of the development of vehicles with alternative propulsion systems, and most notably hybrid and fully electric drivetrains. In this context the aim is to provide a forum for discussion in order to discuss how advanced chassis systems are likely to provide a key element in the drive to reduce vehicle fuel consumption in general.

The intention is also to address different kind of vehicles and machinery, particularly as regards the potential impact of the rapid evolution underway in systems for agricultural machines and construction equipment; of specific interest is how the development and introduction of advanced electrified, actively-controlled chassis systems for these types of vehicle could also have an important impact on the evolution of technologies and solutions for application also in the road transport sector. In particular, in the heavy duty commercial vehicles sector, with its continuous focus on costs, the importance of fleet management with a particular emphasis on the total cost of ownership, and the attention to safety could benefit significantly from the development of advanced chassis systems.

This conference will provide an opportunity to share experiences regarding the different scenarios, with particular emphasis on the trends suggested by the new powertrain technologies and the progressive electrification of chassis systems on automotive vehicles. Presentations concerning a wide range of future applications from different sectors are also invited to demonstrate that advanced chassis systems may prove to be a determining factor for the competitiveness of a wide range of vehicles at this pivotal moment.