The course content is an introduction to the wide knowledge dealing about the vehicle, its specifications, performances, market diffusion, social-economical implications and finally its evolution linked to the technological developments.
Proper knowledge of the vehicle system and driving criteria necessary for a proper vehicle design and for a proper component installation on the vehicle. Calculate the key performances of the complete vehicle or of the key components (engine, gearbox, etc.).
The Course will provide students with the basic notions and general information which will prove useful during the following courses. In the subsequent years and according the selected study plan, many items will be more deeply investigated.

First level knowledge of the "vehicle system" and its applicability in order to meet the market expectations and the legal requirements. This first step is considered essential in order to assign, during the subsequent studies, the proper balance among the different factors such as: mobility, performances, safety, environment.

Basic notions of mathematic, physics and chemistry are required; the ones provided within the high-school programs.

After a brief historical notes about the birth and development of the car industry, the subsequent chapters exposes a summary of aspects relating to the car diffusion in the world, the socioeconomic impacts and issues related to safety and environment. The different Lectures illustrate the operation and features of passenger cars and commercial vehicles and their main components (body, chassis, engines and gearboxes). Further Lectures deal with the materials used for vehicle manufacturing, notions of vehicle dynamics and manufacturing technologies. Innovative solutions are also described with specific reference to alternative power-train development.

The final section is devoted to the technical evolution through the years, from the beginning to present-day, with description of the most significant models and their outstanding features.

Training and Practice are performed in the Fiat Group Laboratories, Training areas and manufacturing Plants according production schedule. A visit to Torino Automobile Museum can be organized.
Training and Practice are performed in groups of 20 / 30 students.

Professors can supply students, through Politecnico website, written clarifications and images dealing with arguments explained during the Lectures. Student’s capability to retain the theoretical and practical knowledge will be verified in written classroom exercises.

The examination is performed according a written test using an individual Politecnico electronic terminal.