Original Date: 02/03/1997
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International functions as the major source of technical information and expertise for the design, manufacture, operation, maintenance, and recycling of self-propelled vehicles (land, sea, air, and space) around the world. Its 72,000 membership represents a network of engineers, business executives, educators, and students from more than 80 countries who come together to share information and exchange ideas for advancing the engineering of mobility systems. Originally founded as the Society of Automobile Engineers in 1905, SAE changed to its present name in 1917. SAE is located in Warrendale, Pennsylvania and employs 400 personnel.

From the beginning, SAE was known for its standards. Most notably is its first standard in 1906 (spring engineering techniques) and its first aerospace standard in 1917 (interchangeable spark plugs). However, engine oil viscosity remains SAE’s most famous standard. First issued in 1911, an updated version of that standard is still in use. Besides standards, the Society sponsors conferences and professional education around the world; publishes and distributes hundreds of books, publications, and papers on mobility-related technical material; hosts nationwide student design competitions annually; participates in public awareness programs on passenger safety and energy resource conservation; and promotes globalization as one of its strategic initiatives.

SAE is a reservoir for knowledge and new thinking in the mobility industry. Whether these ideas emerge from a conference presentation, a student design competition, a professional publication, or a causal conversation, SAE provides the springboard from which colleagues can launch innovations to propel the mobility industry into the future. Among the best examples were SAE’s aerospace standards; Cooperative Research Program; Performance Review Institute; National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program; and engineering tools.

SAE operates the world's largest non-government aerospace standards program. The Society maintains an active liaison with national and international standards organizations to fully coordinate and harmonize its standards as well as to avoid duplication. SAE has published more than 4,500 aerospace standards and specifications which are used worldwide for the design and production of aircraft components and systems.

The Cooperative Research Program provides the means for industry, government, and academia to cooperate in shared research efforts. As an independent, unbiased, non-profit organization, SAE is recognized by its peers for having excellent credibility and offers a proven framework for coordinating and facilitating group activities; providing administrative support; developing and monitoring third-party contracts; maintaining financial records; and guiding successful completion of projects.

The Performance Review Institute’s overall mission is to lead the mobility industry by effectively using accreditation and certification programs based on industry consensus standards that improve total product quality, reduce total cost, and enhance global competitiveness. These goals are accomplished through its two core programs: the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program and the International Standards Organization Registrar.

As an aerospace and DoD supplier accreditation program, the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program’s purpose is to reduce and streamline the large number of redundant quality systems’ audits being conducted on supplier organizations. The program represents a unique arrangement among original equipment manufacturers, prime contractors, and users which combines second-party and third-party approaches with the accreditation of suppliers, in accordance with consensus-derived requirements.

By developing engineering tools, SAE has filled a niche in technology not met by industry, government, or academia. Classified under referee materials and engineering aids, SAE’s tools facilitate the implementation and use of standards by providing baseline materials for product comparison and devices for verifying test results and standards. The most successful tool is the Three-Dimensional H-Point Engineering Aid Support which meets national and international standards for describing seated occupant location in vehicles.

Most organizations that have been in existence for more than 90 years are generally considered stable and respectable. However, longevity is not the only measure for success. SAE’s 92 years have been adorned with achievements almost too numerous to mention and that parade of attainments has extended unbroken to the present. As a dynamic organization, SAE responds rapidly to change and provides information on cutting-edge technology. The BMP survey team considers the following practices to be among the best in industry and government.

TABLE OF ACRONYMS:
The following acronyms were used in this report:

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.