It’s an exciting time for the UK the automotive industry. As well as seeing an influx of technological innovation the UK industry has overtaken its French rivals in its global standing, for the first time since 1966.
Essex plays an important part in the automotive supply chain and has an established cluster of top tier powertrain and automotive supply companies including, AVL, Valeo, Visteon, and most notably – Ford.
It’s an exciting time in this particular sub sector of automotive and local businesses have the opportunity to be at the forefront of a rapidly evolving market presenting fresh opportunities.
Essex is in good shape
There are many companies in Essex who are developing innovative solutions for tomorrows Automotive technology market. An example of auto development in Essex includes Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine, designed at Ford’s research and development centres in Dunton and Dagenham in the UK.
In 2013 the EcoBoost engine earned the award award for Automotive Innovation 2013 from the UK’s Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The same engine was named “International Engine of the Year in 2012 and 2013”.
“The UK is a hotbed for global automotive engineering talent, a fact proved by the winning Ford entry being designed and developed at its UK R&D centres,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT (The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) Chief Executive
There are perhaps two areas where the UK needs to focus on more than any others – Supply Chain development and skills development, these two areas are closely linked if the UK is to maximise returns of its current status as a global leader in this sector.
Driving technology change
Last week Silverstone hosted the ‘Driving Technology Change’ event, supported by Silverstone, the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), the Automotive Council and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders(SMMT) and bringing to together a broad range of manufacturers and suppliers from the automotive and motor sport sectors.
The purpose of the day is to demonstrate the UK capability in key technology areas, and to look at transferability and supply chain opportunities.
The rate and scale of change in these two sectors in recent years has been staggering and the response from within the sector has been equally as staggering.
Huge strides have been made in . . .
- Powertrain efficiency
- Aerodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer
- Materials and Composites
- Energy Capture
There are some fascinating advances being made in terms of overall engine efficiency, largely driven by the pressure to deliver ever lower carbon emissions, increase fuel efficiency and reduce the scale of investment at the disposal of motorsport – particularly F1 has clear potential to deliver real advancements in the mainstream market as well.
The UK’s Automotive Council – a collaboration between public and private sector initiatives, benefiting from the almost unheard of cross-party political support is the envy of our European competitors.
Helping business to invest and grow
The INVEST Essex team is dedicated to supporting the growth of all businesses, and recognises the value of experience and expertise in the automotive sector. In addition, Essex’s skills board will aim to work closely with both large employers and SMEs to ensure solutions are identified, and funding is channelled in the right areas.
