Trends in Size and Weight of Highway Combinations 660765
The automotive engineer must be constantly aware of many changing factors to produce vehicles suitable for highway operation several years in the future. The design is predominately affected by road size and weight restrictions.
In the near future, design of highway vehicles may be influenced by Federal legislation based on House Document No. 354. This document is inconsistent in several areas and will not give the operator the benefits which it appears to offer on the surface. If adopted, vehicle design will be affected as will horsepower requirements.
Safety legislation as well as changes in transportation means will also affect vehicle design, all of which must be considered in the overall picture.