1. Weight reduction through the diameter size reduction and the use of more performing materials and light alloys.

2. Noise reduction through the use of valves with progressive damping.

3. Reduction of rod sliding friction by using seals of new design and materials.

4. Variable rate shock absorbers with the use of electronics And computer, which would improve handling at reduced cost.

Main manufacturers offering the advanced shocker technology are Delphi, Tenneco and ZF Sachs. Highlights of their products and Technology are given here briefly.

1. Delphi :- 'Magne Ride' shock absorbers are fitted to high end cars in USA and Europe example Audi (TT and R8) and Ferrari. In these, magneto rheological fluid passes through an orifice, which can be restricted by applying an electrical field across it. The fluid consists of magnetically soft particles suspended in a synthetic liquid. When current is applied to an electromagnetic coil inside the shock absorber's piston, the resulting magnetic field changes the resistance of flow (rheology) of the fluid which produces a very responsive and controllable damping action without any valves. Delphi is trying to improve this further so as to deliver a higher dynamic range (a softer soft and a hardee hard) and a faster transient response.

2. Tenneco :- Their 'Computerized Electronic Suspension (CES)' is being used in some models of Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Ford and Audi.

3. ZE Sachs :- Their Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shocker are being supplied to AUDI, Porsche, Bentley and BMW to be employed in selected models. The advantages claimed for CDC shockers are :-

(i) It uses a stepless approach to chassis damping, avoiding the compromise between hard and smooth damping. The ECU  takes signals from the sensors and interacts with ABS in ECS (electronic control system), while taking information from steering wheel angle, brake pressure and engine torque.

(ii) For the driver who just has to push a button on the dashboard, it makes the car safer and easier to drive, prevents nose dive on braking and squat on acceleration and permits driving on 'normal' or 'sport' damper settings.