What is NVH and why is it important in vehicle development?

NVH stands for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness - the study of perceptible sounds and vibrations in vehicles. Noise refers to audible sounds, vibration to felt oscillations, and harshness to the response to sudden inputs like road impacts. NVH is critical because it directly affects perceived quality, comfort, and brand perception. Poor NVH leads to customer complaints, while excellent NVH distinguishes premium vehicles. Modern development targets specific NVH attributes throughout the design process.