While Modelica is well suited for the multi-domain challenges of automotive modeling, it is a long process to build up complete vehicle models one component at a time. To promote the open exchange of reusable automotive subsystem models (e.g. engines, transmission, drivelines, etc), several members of the Modelica Association have collaborated to develop a Vehicle Model Architecture (VMA). The idea behind VMA is to define a consistent set of interfaces between vehicle subsystems and controllers so that vehicle models can be assembled in a "Plug and Play" fashion using subsystem models from various sources.

The VMA tutorial will provide an overview of the VMA package and numerous exercises. The initial exercises will demonstrate how complete vehicle models can be constructed from existing subsystem models by simply choosing which model to use for each subsystem. These exercises will demonstrate how different types of controller and plant models can be combined. Then, more detailed exercises will cover how to create new models for particular subsystems and/or controllers. Finally, these new models will be used to conduct several different virtual drive cycles to evaluate performance and fuel economy.