TYPES OF CARS BASED N THEIR BODY STYLE

4x4 or 4WD ("four-by-four" or "four-wheel drive")

A four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive power from the engine simultaneously. The terms are usually (but not exclusively) used in Europe and Australia to describe what is referred to in North America as a sport utility vehicle or SUV (see below).

Buggy

A Buggy is an automobile with wheels that project beyond the vehicle body.

Cabrio coach or Semi-convertible

A form of car roof, where a retractable textile cover amounts to a large sunroof Fundamental to various older designs such as the Citroën 2CV; sometimes an option on modern cars.

Cabriolet

A term for a convertible (see below).

A BMW M3 convertible

Convertible

A body style with a flexible textile folding roof or rigid retracting roof — of highly variable design detail — to allow driving in open or enclosed modes.

Coupé

A 2-door, 2- or 4-seat car with a fixed roof. Its doors are often longer than those of an equivalent sedan and the rear passenger area smaller; the roof may also be low. In cases where the rear seats are very small and not intended for regular use it is called a 2+2 (pronounced "two plus two"). Originally, a coupé was required to have only one side window per side, but this consideration has not been used for many years.

Coupé utility (ute)

the coupé utility is a passenger-car derived vehicle with coupé passenger cabin lines and an integral^{[citation needed]} cargo bed.

Crossover (or CUV)

A loose marketing term to describe a vehicle that blends features of a SUV with features of a car — especially forgoing the body on frame construction of the SUV in favor of the car's unibody or monocoque construction.

Estate car

British name for a station wagon.

Fastback

A design where the roof slopes at a smooth angle to the tail of the car, but the rear window does not open as a separate "door".

Hardtop

A style of car roof. Originally referred to a removable solid roof on a convertible; later, also a fixed-roof car whose doors have no fixed window frames, which is designed to resemble such a convertible.

Hatchback

Incorporates a shared passenger and cargo volume, with rearmost accessibility via a rear third or fifth door, typically a top-hinged liftgate—and features such as fold-down rear seats to enable flexibility within the shared passenger/cargo volume. As a two-box design, the body style typically includes an A, B & C-pillar, and may include a D pillar.

Hearse

A converted car (often a station wagon), light truck or minivan usually used to transport the dead. Often longer and heavier than the vehicle on which they are usually based. Can sometimes double up as an ambulance in some countries, such as the United States, especially in rural areas.

Landaulet

A body style with a convertible top for the back seat, with the front seat either roofed or open.

Leisure activity vehicle

A small van, generally related to a supermini, with a second or even a third seat row, and a large, tall boot.

Liftback

A style of coupé or sedan with a hatchback; used especially when the rear access door is very inclined, opening more upward that outward.

A Lincoln Town Car limousine

Limousine

By definition, a chauffeur-driven car with a (normally glass-windowed) division between the front seats and the rear. In German, the term simply means asedan.

Minibus

Designed to carry fewer people than a full-size bus, generally up to 16 people in multiple rows of seats. Passenger access in normally via a sliding door on one side of the vehicle. One example of a van with a minibus version available is the Ford Transit.

Microvan

Term for a boxy wagon-type of car that is smaller than a conventional minivan; often without rear sliding door(s). Examples are Citroën Picasso, Renault Scénic, Toyota Yaris Verso or Mercedes-Benz A-Class. In Japan, this term is used for Kei car based vans.

Minivan

North American term for a boxy wagon-type of car usually containing three or four rows of seats, with a capacity of six or more passengers. Often with extra luggage space also. As opposed to the larger van, the minivan was developed primarily as a passenger vehicle, though is more van-like than a station wagon. In Britain, these are generally referred to as people carriers.

MPV 

Multi-purpose vehicle, a large car or small bus designed to be used on and off-road and easily convertible to facilitate loading of goods from facilitating carrying people.

Notchback

A configuration where the third box of a three-box styling configuration is less pronounced — especially where the rear deck (third box) is short or where the rear window is upright.

People carrier or people mover

European name to describe what is usually referred to in North America as a Minivan.

Phaeton

Pickup truck (or pickup)

A light-duty, open-bed truck.

Pillarless

Usually a prefix to coupé, fastback, or hardtop; completely open at the sides when the windows are down, without a central pillar, e.g. the Sunbeam Rapier fastback coupé.

Ragtop

Originally an open car like a roadster, but with a soft top (cloth top) that can be raised or lowered. Unlike a convertible, it had no roll-up side windows. Now often used as slang for a convertible.

Retractable Hardtop

aka Coupé convertible or Coupé Cabriolet. A type of convertible forgoing a foldable textile roof in favor of a multi-segment rigid roof retracts into the lower bodywork.

Roadster

Originally a two-seat open car with minimal weather protection — without top or side glass — though possibly with optional hard or soft top and side curtains (i.e., without roll-up glass windows). In modern usage, the term means simply a two-seat sports car convertible, a variation of spyder.

Sedan

A car seating four or more with a fixed roof that is full-height up to the rear window. Known in British English as a saloon. Sedans can have 2 or 4-doors. This is the most common body style^{[citation needed]}. In the U.S., this term has been used^[who?] to denote a car with fixed window frames, as opposed to the hardtop style wherein the sash, if any, winds down with the glass.

Chevrolet HHR sedan delivery

Sedan delivery

North American term for a vehicle similar to a wagon but without side windows, similar to a panel truck but with two doors (one on each side), and one or two rear doors . Often shortened to delivery; used alone, "delivery" is presumed to be a sedan delivery.

Sport utility vehicle (SUV)

Derivative of a pickup truck or 4-wheel-drive vehicle, but with fully enclosed passenger cabin interior and carlike levels of interior equipment.

Spyder (or Spider)

Similar to a roadster but originally with less weather protection. The term originated from a small two-seat horse cart with a folding sunshade made of four bows.^{[citation needed]} With its black cloth top and exposed sides for air circulation, the top resembled a spider. Nowadays it simply means a convertiblesports car.

Shooting-brake

Initially a vehicle used to carry shooting parties with their equipment and game; later used to describe custom-built wagons by high-end coachbuilders, subsequently synonymous with station wagonor estate; and in contemporary usage a three or five-door wagons combining features of a wagon and a coupé.

Station wagon

A variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume; access at the back via a third or fifth door instead of a trunk lid; flexible configurations to vary passenger or cargo volume; and two or three rows of seating — in a two-box design with a A, B & C-pillar, as well as a D pillar.

Surrey top

Similar to the Porsche Targa top, the surrey top was developed by Triumph in 1962 for the TR4.

T-top

A derivative of the Targa top, called a T-bar roof, this fixed-roof design has two removable panels and retains a central narrow roof section along the front to back axis of the car (e.g. Toyota MR2Mark I.)

Targa top

A semi-convertible style used on some sports cars, featuring a fully removable hard top roof panel which leaves the A and B pillars in place on the car body. (e.g. Fiat X1/9). Strictly, the term originated from and is trademarked by Porsche for a derivate of its 911 series, the Porsche 911 Targa, itself named after the famous Targa Florio rally. A related styling motif is the Targa band, sometimes called a wrapover band which is a single piece of chrome or other trim extending over the roof of the vehicle and down the sides to the bottom of the windows. It was probably named because the original Porsche Targa had such a band behind its removable roof panel in the late 60s.

Town car (US)

Essentially the inverse of the landaulet, a historical body style in which the front seats were open and the rear compartment closed, normally with a removable top to cover the front chauffeur's compartment. In Europe the style is also known as Sedanca de Ville, often shortened to Sedanca or de Ville. Note that the modern Lincoln Town Car derives its name, but nothing else, from this style.

Ute

Australian/New Zealand English term for the Coupe Utility body style (see above). Sometimes used informally to refer to any utility vehicle, particularly light trucks such as a pickup truck. In American English, sport-ute is sometimes used^[who?] to refer to an SUV (see above).

A Dodge Sprinter, one particular model of van.

Van

In North America "van" refers to a truck-based commercial vehicle of the wagon style, whether used for passenger or commercial use. Usually a van has no windows at the side rear (panel van), although for passenger use, side windows are included. In other parts of the world, 'van' denotes a passenger-based wagon with no rear side windows.

Wagon delivery

North American term (mainly U.S. and Canada). Similar to a sedan delivery, with four doors. Sometimes shortened to delivery; used alone, "delivery" is presumed to be a sedan delivery. No longer manufactured.

The Automotive Industry

The Automotive Industry Modern Automobile Manufacturing While the automobile is a commonly used product, it is an extremely complex and technologically sophisticated one. Manufacturing new cars requires state-of-the-art technological methods and processes. In addition, supplier industries of the automotive manufacturing industry, such as steel and other parts as well as electronic instrumentation, are vital in providing the necessary supplies and components for assembling motor vehicles. To improve product quality and efficiency in production, automakers invest a large amount of time and money into developing and improving the manufacturing process, and rely heavily on research and technological innovation. Over the last 75 years, significant technological development has taken place, changing and reinventing how motor vehicles are produced. Technology has increasingly altered the manufacturing process for motor vehicles. While cars are produced at faster rates, automakers must continue to balance increased productivity and efficiency with quality and innovation. Modern technologies used in advancing manufacturing for the automotive industry include:

Programmable machines and tools; Near-Net Castry; High speed data communication and data management; Supercomputing; Virtual manufacturing and complex visualization techniques; Advanced forging techniques. Over the last 25 years, automation technology has become an essential part of automobile assembly plants. A typical assembly plant uses several hundred robots to build and paint the vehicle frame. While robotic technology continues to grow in assembly plants, the technology does have limitations, especially in performing more delicate tasks. The advent of Intelligent Assist Devices, in particular Cobots (Collaboratiave robots), aided in reducing ergonomic concerns, while also improving safety, quality and productivity. Cobots, developed by Northwestern University and General Motors Corporation, are designed to work in collaboration with human operators to move objects and perform physically demanding tasks on vehicle assembly lines. Automobile manufacturing firms compete based on a set of established commercial practices which are conveyed in business and industrial engineering literature. These practices make up the process of automobile manufacturing, which are depicted in the following list of elements: Elements of Automobile Manufacturing Cost Technology and Process Durability Workforce and Organization Product Development Logistics and Supply Chain Process Development Research and Engineering Flexibility Interfaces Facilities/Equipment   In looking at trends in global automobile manufacturing, Japanese automakers have been leaders in stream-lined manufacturing process systems. These methods have been adopted by manufacturing plants worldwide. These efforts were pursued in order to increase productivity and product quality. U.S. and European automakers initially showed considerable gaps in manufacturing plant productivity, however the gap in productivity with Japanese automakers' assembly plants have been narrowed substantially in the last several years. Research on Modern Automobile Manufacturing Akella, Prasad, and Peshkin, Michael. Cobots for the Automobile Assembly Line. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation 1999. http://othello.mech.northwestern.edu/~peshkin/pubs/1999_CobotsAutomobileAssembly.pdf This paper describes the broad design principles for human-machine interaction in industrial settings. The creation and use of Cobots (Collaborative robots), were designed for assisting assembly line workers. The paper indicates that commercial use of these technologies in industrial settings are currently underway. Fine, Charles H., and St. Claire, Richard. The U.S. Automobile Manufacturing Industry. Meeting the Challenge: U.S. Industry Faces the 21st Century. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Technology Policy, 1996. http://www.mne.psu.edu/simpson/courses/me546/projects/auto_industry.pdf This report on the U.S. automobile manufacturing industry concentrates on the Big 3 firms (General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler) and discusses the condition of the industry, product and production strategies, the importance of the supply chain, distribution and retailing, conclusions, and possible future directions. Landham, Ralf. The Future of the Automobile Industry: Challenge and Concepts for the 21st Century.Warrendale, PA: Society of Automotive Engineers, 2001. LC Call Number: HD9710.A2 Z8513 LC Catalog Record: 00045810 This updated edition examines issues currently facing the automotive industry. Fifteen contributions from consultants and other automotive industry professionals discuss factors such as emerging markets, globalization, technological innovation, environmental demands, and e-business, as well as offer approaches for meeting these challenges. Synopsis by Book News, Inc. Maxton, Graeme P. Time for a Model Change: Re-engineering the Global Automobile Industry. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2004. LC Call Number: HD9710.A2 M3863 2004 (in process as of November 2004) LC Catalog Record: 2004045634 Table of Contents Publisher Description This work examines the automotive industry, making recommendations for change and improved industry performance. Van Biesebroeck, Johannes. Measuring Productivity Dynamics with Endogenous Choice of Technology and Capacity Utilization: An Application to Automobile Assembly. Center for Economic Studies Working Paper. Washington, D.C.: Center for Economic Studies, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000. http://siepr.stanford.edu/publicationsprofile/619 This study examines North American and Japanese automobile assembly plants comparing production processes by utilizing a model that allows for heterogeneity in technology and productivity. Van Biesebroeck, Johannes. "The Effect of Technology Choice on Automobile Assembly Plant Productivity."The Economic and Social Review, Vol. 33, No. 1, Spring, 2002. This Paper examines the effects of technology on U.S. assembly plants productivity from 1963 to 1996, and evaluates the determinants off aggregate productivity growth. Automobile Technology & Innovation The product life-cycle for automobiles continues to shorten due to competitive market pressures. Competitive market forces have caused automakers to dramatically redesign car models every four to five years. New technological developments have led to unique and innovative designs for future automobiles. Automobile manufacturers use the development of new technologies to enhance performance capability, as well as to create innovative designs. Alternative fuel technologies, such as electric hybrids and fuel cell cars, have received considerable attention, and demonstrate attempts to design vehicles that are more energy efficient and greatly reduce engine propulsion reliance upon fossil fuels. Electric Powered Vehicles The movement towards electric powered vehicles began as a result of the 1973 Oil Embargo, in which efforts were made to utilize electric battery technology to power engine propulsion. However, problems and limitations regarding driving range, speed and a very small market, all led to automakers GM, Ford, Honda and Toyota discontinuing their electric vehicle programs during the late 1990's. Hybrid Powered Vehicles Hybrid vehicles combine two or more sources of power, which are able to operate using a rechargeable battery and gasoline. Production of gas-electric hybrids signifies the first significant move away from total reliance on the internal-combustion engine in nearly a century. Hybrid vehicles are highly fuel efficient and presents the first major step toward fuel cell vehicles, according to industry specialists. Japanese automaker Toyota, is one of the auto industries leaders in hybrid vehicle research and production with its Prius model. General Motors, also involved in producing hybrid vehicles, will be introducing and mass producing its hybrid model by 2007.Most major automakers plan to introduce hybrid vehicles to the market within the next five years. Fuel Cell Vehicles Another automobile technology that is presently viewed as the latest catalyst in future automobile technology, is fuel cell powered vehicles, in particular hydrogen fuel cell powered engines. Fuel cell systems operate by compressing hydrogen made from natural gas and gasoline, which is then converted to hydrogen by on-board systems.  Automakers and suppliers worldwide are investing substantially in the development of fuel cell systems. General Motors (GM), Ford and DaimlerChrysler have invested billions of dollars in a collaborative project to develop hydrogen fuel cell technology. GM is perhaps the most active in investing, as well as researching and developing fuel cell technology. However, many industry specialists indicate that fuel cell technology will not be available on the commercial market until the next 10 to 15 years. There are, however, problems associated with hydrogen fuel systems which consist of: Fuel cell vehicles will be more expensive Fuel cell cars will require a new infrastructure for vehicle manufacturing and maintenance Developing a system for producing and distributing hydrogen fuel Many uncertainties remain regarding the development and use of hydrogen fuel cell technology, as well as addressing the major question on how to create a viable infrastructure that supports the use of fuel cell vehicles. Advanced Product Design and Vehicle Operating Systems Modern automobiles are increasingly relying upon more advanced electronics, computer, and wireless communication systems to assist drivers and enhance safety. These technologies replace mechanical systems that power, steer and brake the vehicle. Most vehicles have several computers, with high-end models having a half dozen or more that control functions, which range from shifting gears to operating GPS navigational systems. GM has introduced the Autonomy concept model, which uses hydrogen fuel cell technology that powers electric motors in each wheel. The vehicle uses a chassis and replaceable body, allowing greater flexibility and freedom in designing the interior. Internally, the vehicle operates without pedals or dashboard, using sophisticated computer and electronic systems to operate the vehicle. Voice activation is another technology being developed for use in future vehicles. Voice activation systems are expected to operate internal climate controls, open doors, and respond to navigational request by the driver. The next step in automobile electronic and communications technology is vehicle sensor technology. Sensor technologies use radar or laser technology to control systems that detect vehicles in front which then automatically slow down the vehicle. Companies are using sensor technology to serve as collision-avoidance systems that operate and control vehicle safety systems and on-board equipment.