There are a couple of articles out today about how Ford Motor Company is using virtual prototyping to design cars.

Via: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ford-united-space-alliance

Exerpt:
“Engineers at United Space Alliance (USA) and Ford Motor Company are sharing their animation software experiences to create virtual reality simulations that benefit both astronauts and drivers.

Ford is applying virtual reality animation software that is used by movie animators and video game creators to improve real-life driving situations before the first prototype is even built.  In an immersive Virtual Evaluation lab (iVE), Ford engineers create virtual vehicles complete with exterior views.

Engineers for United Space Alliance, the prime Space Shuttle contractor, are using the same technology at the Kennedy Space Center to help build future space vehicles safer and more efficiently.  Current applications include using the technology to track and characterize launch debris during ascent.  Past applications include developing processes to more efficiently remove and re-install the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the Space Shuttle wing leading edges.

“In this virtual environment, we can evaluate early vehicle designs against a backdrop of virtual conditions and literally experience a vehicle from someone else’s vantage point before it is built, helping us to create a car, truck or crossover that provides the perfect environment for the driver and its occupants,” said Elizabeth Baron, Ford’s Virtual Reality and Advanced Visualization Technical Specialist.”
Via: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ford-united-space-alliance

And some more articles at:
http://www.geek.com/articles/news/ford-and-united-space-alliance-partner-for-virtual-reality-collaboration-20100121/

http://wot.motortrend.com/6631485/technology/ford-united-space-alliance-team-up-to-enhance-virtual-reality-modeling/index.html

http://www.wired.com/autopia/2010/01/ford-united-space-alliance/

http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/22302/Ford-Space-Alliance-share-expertise

http://finchannel.com/news_flash/

http://www.ford.com/about-ford/news-announcements