Overview on potential, opportunities and trends for internal combustion engines

Abstract As one of the most influential markets on the planet, the automotive industry is expanding and, despite the increase in the number of electric cars, its internal combustion engine sector is no exception. Thus, it needs to regularly adapt to the latest trends and changes imposed by the technological innovations that are constantly appearing. Also, in addition to the technical aspect, environmental trends must be taken into account, because they directly influence the evolution of the automotive field, leading it towards a greener future, with an emphasis on ecological and sustainable solutions for current problems. This article aims to offer an overview on the most relevant trends at European level, manifested in the field of sustainability, urbanization, individualization and digitalization, which make possible the restructuring process of the automotive industry, successfully integrating it in the sustainable sectors of the industrial economy. Also, the current situation regarding the European and Romanian automotive sector is presented and there are exemplified a number of ways in which internal combustion engines can be optimized for sustainability, in order to improve the performance of vehicles and their integration into the ecological trends of the moment.