In the last decades the Institute for Powertrains and Automotive technology achieved an extensive research competence. Starting with the energy conversion in the conventional internal combustion engine, the detoxification of the exhaust gas up to alternative fuels and propulsion systems the institute proved his qualifications in these topics. Another asset is the development of prototype components for the use in research applications. The following picture shows the major competences highlighted as the five columns. The rows represent the tools which were used to overcome these research and development tasks.