"As a reference book it has to be classed as one of the best! There should be a copy of it in every college library."
Association of Motor Vehicle Teachers' Newsletter


The Motor Vehicle has been an essential reference work for both the student and practising engineer ever since the first edition appeared in 1929. Today it is as indispensable to anyone with a serious interest in vehicle design techniques, systems and construction as it was then.

The current edition has undergone a major revision to include seven new chapters. These include Electric Propulsion; covering all aspects from lead acid and alternative batteries to fuel cells and hybrid vehicles, Static and Dynamic Safety, and Wheels and Tyres.

The chapter on the compression ignition engine has been expanded to form three chapters, concentrating on aspects such as common rail injection, recently developed distributor type pumps and electronic control of injection. Automatic, semi-automatic and continuously variable ratio transmissions are covered in two new chapters. A third contains information on the latest developments in computer-aided control over both braking and traction, for improving vehicle stability, while another contains entirely new information on the practice and principles of electrically-actuated power-assisted steering.

Also included is coverage of material detailing the latest knowledge and practice relating to safety systems, vehicle integrity, braking systems and much more.

The established layout of the book is retained, with topics relating to the Engine, Transmission and Carriage Unit dealt with in turn. Each chapter is well-provided with diagrams,sections, schematics and photographs, all of which contribute to a clear and concise exposition of the material under discussion.

Latest extensive revisions to a well-established title
New chapters on electric propulsion and vehicle safety.