motoring guide

Automotive technologies: Playing the green and keeping it safe

Technological innovation in cars is regularly at the forefront of a car manufacturer's efforts as they look to make smarter, cleaner and safer motors for drivers across the globe. It seems that innovation in the green area of the automotive sector is now a particularly prevalent topic as the government, car makers and even energy companies have joined forces to develop environmental initiatives.

Nissan recently announced that it is planning to build two plants for the production of its advanced lithium-ion batteries in Europe, working with the governments of the United Kingdom and Portugal. It signified the first move of the Renault-Nissan Alliance to produce batteries for its Zero Emission Mobility Program in Europe. The two governments are to provide financial assistance as well as additional support so Nissan can establish the proposed plants within the countries. The UK site will be located in Sunderland, where Nissan already produces cars, and it will be the Nissan European Mother Site for Battery production. It will also be the centrepiece of the new Low Carbon Economic Area in the north-east of England.

Prime minister Gordon Brown commented: "This investment is … hugely significant as we embark on Building Britain's Future, our plan for recovery and beyond powered by low carbon, high technology industries, products and services."

A number of possible sites have been identified in Portugal for the battery plant. The final selection will be announced at some point in the future. Portugal was the first European country to sign a final agreement with the Renault-Nissan Alliance for implementing a zero-emission mobility programme from next year. The alliance will supply its electric vehicles from spring 2011 as part of the project, while the Portuguese government will help in the implementation of a network of 1,300 recharging stations. These will be in place over the country over the next two years.

Speaking about the UK automotive industry, John Procter, a spokesperson for the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said it has a good deal to offer both in new technologies and other areas. "We recognise that there is a future there and we've got some good companies that are ready to take advantage of that but there are still opportunities for existing automotive businesses," he commented.

It seems as though Mr Procter's optimism about the UK automotive industry is well founded, if recent developments such as that involving Nissan are anything to go by. Furthermore, towards the end of last month it emerged that Toyota and EDF Energy were given government backing for a trial of up to 20 Plug in Hybrid Vehicles (PHVs) which are set to begin in London next year. Funding was announced through the Technology Strategy Board's Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator Competition. The PHVs will feature a powerful lithium-ion battery, which will extend their range in electric vehicle mode thereby enabling zero-emissions driving. The trial period will last for up to three years and the plan is to lease the vehicles to a mixture of public organisations and private companies. These include the Greater London Authority group and the Government Car and Despatch Agency.

"Our new PHV complements the newly-launched third generation Prius as plug-in technology extends electric driving mode almost tenfold, offering an even lower carbon transport solution for those customers with that specific need," said Miguel Fonseca, managing director of Toyota.

But what of technological innovation in the safety sector of the car industry? It seems progress is also being made in this area as well, which could benefit those looking into car insurance premiums, with Ford Motor Company speeding up the introduction of technologies that will improve the safety of vehicles. One such development is the MyKey system that is designed to encourage safer driving among teenagers. Parents are able to program the key so that it can initiate certain features, such as a limited top speed of 80 mph and the inability to deactivate the traction control system. The Blind Spot Information System, meanwhile, alerts drivers to obstacles that could be hidden in the blind spot. A warning light comes on when traffic enters a driver's blind spot on either side of the vehicle. If the car features a message centre then a note will also be displayed there. Other innovations from Ford include integrated blind spot mirrors, a cross traffic alert and adaptive headlamps.

However, some say that the industry could be doing more in terms of safety innovation. "What is disappointing is when new technology such as Electronic Stability Control - which is relatively cheap to make and has been described as the most important new safety measure since the seatbelt - is fitted as standard to more expensive cars but not to cheaper models," explained Philip Gomm, spokesman for the RAC Foundation. He said that car manufacturers have a legal and moral obligation to protect those who get into their vehicles as well as other road users.

In terms of what manufacturers believe to be more important when producing cars - the environment or safety - Mr Gomm stated that they consider them equally significant. He noted that drivers are increasingly concerned about the green credentials of their motors. This is either because of their attempts to help the environment or as a way of cutting the running costs of their cars in troubling economic times, Mr Gomm added.

As for the future, Gartner asserted earlier this year that most vehicle manufacturers will focus their product development operations for mature markets on enabling wireless data connectivity in over half of their next-generation cars. Car manufacturers will increasingly develop in-house expertise to provide connectivity solutions on a rising number of vehicles and will work with other organisations on offering holistic services that meet consumers' broader transportation needs, Gartner asserted. Perhaps this could be tied in with car safety, possibly helping people looking to keep clear of claims on their car insurance.

"The automotive industry must explore new ways to generate consumer interest, product differentiation and revenue opportunities," commented Thilo Koslowski, research vice-president at Gartner.

18 Aug 2009