The Department of Automobile Engineering at MIT was started in the year 1949 and was offering a 3 year undergraduate program in Automobile Engineering. On the formation of Anna University in 1978, MIT has become one of the constituent institutions of the university and hence, the department has also become part of department of Anna University offering 4 years B.E.course in Automobile Engineering in the whole of India, besides offering M.S (By research) and the Ph.D. programs. Besides the academic activities, the department is dynamically involved in the programs of “Centre for Automotive Research and Training” (C.A.R.T). The department is currently headed by Dr. S.Jayaraj.

 WHAT ARE WE DEALING WITH THIS AUTOMEET 2015 ?

                                                        SAVE FUEL CAMPAIGN

Our dependence on fuel is astronomical but it is an exhaustible energy source. High fuel consumption rates would put the future sustainability of the planet in danger. At a primary level, saving fuel directly saves money. The cost of fuel is high and is increasing drastically. Saving fuel would directly reduce consumer costs. Reducing fuel usage also protects our environment. The carbon foot-print that is produced due to burning fuel contributes to global climate change. Also, the dependence on oil makes us vulnerable to oil market manipulation and price shocks. Also, saving fuel will increase resource sustainability. Using fuel wisely would allow more time to find alternative technologies and fuel that will be more sustainable. The figure below shows the cost of oil imports annually and thereby stresses the economic importance of saving fuel.

A lot of technological advances have been made in engines to improve fuel efficiency. Besides, technologies like hybrids have also been implemented to reduce dependence on fuel. Researchers are hard at work exploring new fuels and vehicle technologies:

• Hybrids, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are areas of intense research, along with efficient technologies for gasoline and diesel vehicles.
• Renewable fuels such as ethanol-and biodiesel can help offset petroleum use.
• Other fossil fuels such as coal, shale oil, tar sands, and natural gas are another possibility.

In spite of this, fuel consumption rates have still been increasing exponentially and thus, it is important for the consumers to be conscious of the amount of fuel being consumed and work on saving fuel.

The following are a few simple ways to save fuel-

• Avoid idling
• Clean the trunk and avoid unnecessary weight
• Keep tires inflated to correct pressure
• Observe posted speed limits
• Use A/C sparingly
• Car-pooling
• Anticipate traffic flow