Automotive Terminology (EN)
Key technical terms and acronyms in the automotive industry.
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ACEA
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association: represents the interests of 16 car, truck and bus manufacturers. Publishes registration statistics and policy positions. Source: acea.auto.
AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
An automatic emergency braking system that detects obstacles and autonomously activates the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions. Mandated by EU Regulation 2019/2144 for new models.
AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation)
Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 establishing targets for alternative fuel infrastructure deployment along the TEN-T network, including EV charging and hydrogen refuelling.
ASIL (Automotive Safety Integrity Level)
Safety integrity level defined by ISO 26262. Values: A (lowest), B, C, D (highest). ASIL D requires the most rigorous development and verification processes.
AWD (All-Wheel Drive)
Permanent four-wheel drive powertrain. Distinct from 4WD (Four-Wheel Drive), which typically involves manual engagement.
BOM (Bill of Materials)
A structured list of all components required to manufacture a vehicle or sub-assembly. A fundamental tool in automotive supply chain management.
CCS (Combined Charging System)
A DC fast-charging standard for electric vehicles. CCS2 (IEC 62196-3 Type 2) is the dominant format in Europe. Promoted by Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 (AFIR) for TEN-T deployment.
CSMS (Cybersecurity Management System)
An automotive cybersecurity management system required by UNECE Regulation 155 (UN R155). Mandatory for all new type-approved vehicles in the EU from July 2022.
DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
A transmission using two clutches for odd and even gear sets, combining the convenience of an automatic gearbox with the efficiency of a manual. Used in both performance and high-efficiency vehicles.
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
A device in the exhaust system that captures and removes particulate matter (PM) from diesel exhaust. Mandatory on diesel vehicles to comply with Euro 5 and above limits.
EMS (Energy Management System)
A system managing energy flow in hybrid or electric vehicles. Optimises distribution between ICE, electric motor and battery to maximise efficiency.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
An active safety system that detects and reduces loss of traction. Mandatory in the EU for all new M1 and N1 vehicles since 2014 (Regulation (EU) 661/2009).
FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis)
An analytical technique for identifying potential failure modes and their effects. A mandatory reliability engineering method in APQP/PPAP processes in automotive supply chains.
G/KM (grams per kilometre)
The unit of measure for a vehicle's CO2 emissions, calculated over the WLTP test cycle. Used as the basis for vehicle taxation and for the targets in Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System)
The generic term for satellite navigation systems including GPS (USA), GLONASS (Russia), Galileo (EU) and BeiDou (China). Used in vehicle navigation, telematics and fleet management.
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight)
The total laden mass of the vehicle: kerb weight plus payload plus driver and passengers. Determines the vehicle's type approval category.
IATF 16949
International standard for quality management systems in the automotive supply chain, issued by IATF. Supplements ISO 9001 with automotive-specific requirements.
ICE Banning 2035
Regulation (EU) 2023/851 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631, which prohibits the sale of new M1 and N1 vehicles with non-zero CO2 tailpipe emissions in the EU from 2035, with a possible exemption for e-fuels subject to technical verification.
IEC 62196
IEC standard for EV charging plugs, inlets and connectors. IEC 62196-2 (Type 2, AC) and IEC 62196-3 (CCS2, DC) are the predominant formats in Europe.
ISO 15118
ISO standard for communication between EV and charging station (Vehicle-to-Grid, V2G), including Plug&Charge (automatic authorisation).
LIN Bus (Local Interconnect Network)
A low-cost serial communication protocol for less critical vehicle sub-systems (e.g. windows, seats, mirrors). Complementary to CAN Bus.
MCU (Motor Control Unit)
An electronic control unit that regulates torque, speed and current for the electric motor in BEVs and HEVs.
NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
A measure of perceived ride and refinement quality relating to noise, vibrations and harshness. Particularly critical in BEVs due to the absence of ICE masking noise.
OBD-II
The standardised version of the OBD system mandatory in the USA from 1996 (EPA) and in Europe from Euro 3 (2001). SAE J1962 16-pin connector; protocols: ISO 15765-4 (CAN), SAE J1850, ISO 9141-2.
PPAP (Production Part Approval Process)
A formal process for component approval in the automotive supply chain. Part of APQP; required by OEMs from suppliers before series production launch.
SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction)
A NOx aftertreatment system for diesel engines using AdBlue (urea solution) injection. Used to meet Euro 6 NOx limits.
SLA (Service Level Agreement)
An agreement defining service levels between manufacturer and supplier (or dealership and customer). Specifies response times, parts availability and quality standards.
TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)
The total cost of owning a vehicle over its entire useful life: purchase price, fuel/energy, maintenance, insurance, residual value. A key metric for corporate fleets.
TWC (Three-Way Catalyst)
A catalytic converter for petrol engines that simultaneously reduces CO, HC and NOx. Mandatory to meet Euro 3 and above limits.
UNECE WP.29
UNECE Working Party on Automated/Autonomous and Connected Vehicles: responsible for harmonising UN Regulations for wheeled vehicles. Reference: unece.org/transport/vehicles.
V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid)
Technology allowing BEVs to return energy to the power grid during peak demand, using the battery pack as distributed storage. Based on ISO 15118.
VANET (Vehicular Ad Hoc Network)
An ad-hoc network among vehicles using V2V/V2X communications for safety and traffic information exchange without fixed infrastructure.
VDA (Verband der Automobilindustrie)
The German automotive industry association. Publishes technical standards and guidelines for supply chain and quality (e.g. VDA 6.x series).