The strategic research area of low-emission vehicle propulsion focuses on innovations and technological development in the fields of electromobility, hydrogen technologies, and synthetic fuels. This research is pivotal for transitioning to a sustainable transportation sector and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and decrease dependence on hydrocarbon fuels.

Electromobility involves the study of using electric power as a source for vehicle propulsion. It includes the utilization of high-capacity batteries, efficient electric motors, and the expansion of charging infrastructure. A key component is the integration of vehicles into the electric grid, known as vehicle-to-grid systems, which can support grid stability and the utilization of renewable energy sources.

Hydrogen focuses on hydrogen fuel cells that convert the chemical energy of hydrogen into electric power, producing only water as a byproduct. Research concentrates on improving efficiency, reducing the costs of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, and on the safety aspects of hydrogen infrastructure.

Synthetic fuels are liquid or gaseous fuels produced from renewable sources, such as biomass or direct synthesis from atmospheric CO2 and water. Research is aimed at optimizing production processes, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing total greenhouse gas emissions over the fuel's life cycle.

The goal of research in this area is not only technological advancement but also the support of political and economic strategies that facilitate the broad deployment of low-emission drives and contribute to achieving climate goals. This work is multidisciplinary and requires collaboration among scientists, engineers, educators, and the industry.

The strategic research area of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving focuses on the development and integration of sophisticated technologies that enhance safety, efficiency, and comfort in motor vehicle operation. This field emphasizes the connectivity between the driver, the vehicle, and the traffic environment to create smarter, safer, and more autonomous transport systems.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) encompass a wide range of features, from adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems to autonomous emergency braking. Research targets the refinement of sensory and computational technologies, such as cameras, radar, lidar, and artificial intelligence. These technologies work together to process complex real-time data sets, enabling vehicles to recognize and respond to various traffic situations.

Autonomous driving vehicles are designed to operate without direct human intervention, necessitating advanced ADAS and additional technologies like machine learning and detailed mapping. Research in this area focuses on developing algorithms for route planning, decision-making, and navigation in diverse and unpredictable environments. It also involves work on vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, allowing vehicles to share information and coordinate actions to enhance traffic safety and flow.

This research domain is a critical element in the future development of intelligent transport systems and is essential for achieving goals in safety, sustainability, and transport efficiency. It requires a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration among the academic sector, the automotive industry, software developers, and regulatory bodies.

The Strategic Research Area Logistics 4.0 represents an innovative approach to managing and optimizing logistical processes in the automotive industry by leveraging modern information and communication technologies. This field focuses on the integration of components such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to create intelligent, connected, and flexible logistics systems that support manufacturing and distribution.

Automation and Robotics: Logistics 4.0 includes the expanded deployment of robots and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in production lines and warehouses, which increases efficiency and reduces human labor in monotonous and demanding tasks.

Advanced Information Systems: Central data platforms that collect and analyze large volumes of data from various parts of the logistics chain enable better planning and forecasting of production and distribution needs.

Internet of Things (IoT): IoT technologies provide real-time monitoring of inventory, machine status, and allow assets to communicate with each other, contributing to the optimization of the entire logistics chain.

Integrated Logistics: Logistics 4.0 systems support the integration of intra-company and inter-company logistics, enabling smooth collaboration between suppliers, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.

The goal of Logistics 4.0 in the automotive industry is to achieve a higher level of automation, increase the flexibility of manufacturing processes, and improve accuracy in inventory management and supply chains, leading to cost reductions and increased efficiency. This field requires strong collaboration among manufacturers, logistics companies, technology suppliers, and IT experts to achieve full integration and automation of processes.