Engine Manufacturing Motors Ahead
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The UK engine manufacturing industry has grown by 29% over the past 6 years with production exceeding 2.7 million engines in 2004. The 'Study of the UK Automotive engineering Industry', published today by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), confirms the industry as one of the most successful parts of the UK automotive business.
Minister for Industry Alun Michael MP said: "The automotive engine industry is an undoubted success story of UK manufacturing and this study shows a buoyant industry that can look to the future with confidence.
"Research and development are crucial if the industry is to remain at the forefront of innovative design. Improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions are key areas of engine innovation and the Government helps by supporting industry and academia to work closer together to bring cutting edge technology to commercial success. The SMMT and the DTI work in tandem to service and support the industry.
"The UK boasts more volume vehicle manufacturers than any other EU country and has over 3250 companies providing 237,000 jobs across the automotive industry. In 2004, 1.65 million cars and 209,000 commercial vehicles were produced in the UK."
This detailed study examines key trends of the engine manufacturing industry and examines in particular the UK's Future Vehicles strategy, emissions standards and the role of biofuels. The study also makes clear the UK's leading role in automotive engine manufacturing and the Government's commitment to research and development.
The report highlighted the innovative projects that are being supported by the DTI Technology Programme, which is investing £320m over the next three years. These projects include developing energy efficient electric urban transport, hydrogen fuel cell technology and enhanced diesel engine lubrication systems.
Research Material:
1. The DTI/SMMT 'Study of the UK Automotive Engineering Industry' can be found at www.autoindustry.co.uk/ukprofile/powertrain/enginereport
2. Further information about the Technology Strategy can be found at http://www.dti.gov.uk/technologyprogramme/open_comps.html
3. A national Technology Strategy & Programme was one of the recommendations of the Innovation Report, December 2003, and its role was strengthened in the Government's 10-Year Science & Innovation Investment Framework, July 2004. The Technology Programme has funds of approximately £320 million over the period of 2005 to 2008, profiled to show an increase over the next three years to a level of £178 million per annum by 2007/08 following the recent Spending Review settlement. The Technology Strategy & Programme will guide government investment in UK and European R&D programmes.
4. The Technology Strategy & Programme is a key initiative in the Government's innovation plans and its expert, business-led Board will identify and back key technologies where the UK industry can commercially take advantage.
5. Last November the Prime Minister and Patricia Hewitt launched the DTI's 5-Year Programme 'Creating Wealth from Knowledge' with a new focus for the department on science, innovation and technology. It is available at http://www.dti.gov.uk/fiveyearprogramme.html
6. The Technology Programme was officially launched by Lord Sainsbury, the Science & Innovation Minister, when he announced the second (£50m) competition in April 2004 consisting of the 2 business support products:
- Collaborative R&D and
- Knowledge Transfer Networks.
A further 2 competitions for funding have since been announced in Collaborative R&D in November 2004 (£80m) and April 2005 (£100m).
Case Study Projects
Enhanced Diesel engine lubrication systems for reduced environmental impact
Project lead: Ford Motor Co. Ltd.
Over a quarter of fuel consumed by a diesel-engine car is due to parasitic losses in various components of the engine and transmission. This project aims to reduce these losses using a systems approach to the lubrication system and the tribological surfaces within the engine. The energy saving achieved translate to lower CO2 and other exhaust emissions. The knowledge generated will help retain the UK's leading position in diesel engine manufacture and lubricant development whilst contributing to the achievement of emissions targets.
2/4SIGHT - Downsized 2-stroke / 4-stroke switching engine for passenger cars
Project lead: Ricardo UK Ltd.
This project takes forward the basic research results of a Foresight Vehicle project '2/4SIGHT'. It will examine on a running engine the potential of switching between 2-stroke and 4-stroke combustion modes to enable aggressive gasoline engine downsizing, targeting a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions whilst delivering superior vehicle performance and lower cost than a modern diesel engine.
Energy efficient electric urban transport
Project lead: Zytek Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles can contribute to improved air quality and reduced CO2 emission, particularly in the urban environment. This project will research electrical machine parameters, battery chemistry and waste heat management with a view to optimising energy utilisation within a battery electric city car. It will also investigate means of measuring electromagnetic pollution with a view to helping shape future legislation for electric vehicles.
LIFECar
Project lead: Morgan Motor Co. Ltd.
This project is aimed at lowering the entry barriers for hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles by demonstrating a whole system approach to vehicle design. This will involve using light-weight vehicle design optimised for the performance characteristics of the fuel cell operating at a high hybridisation level. This approach is targeted at minimising the fuel cell cost whilst achieving fuel economy commensurate with a 300 mile range.
Department of Trade and Industry
7th Floor
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Public Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215 6740
(for those with hearing impairment)
www.dti.gov.uk
Minister for Industry Alun Michael MP said: "The automotive engine industry is an undoubted success story of UK manufacturing and this study shows a buoyant industry that can look to the future with confidence.
"Research and development are crucial if the industry is to remain at the forefront of innovative design. Improving engine efficiency and reducing emissions are key areas of engine innovation and the Government helps by supporting industry and academia to work closer together to bring cutting edge technology to commercial success. The SMMT and the DTI work in tandem to service and support the industry.
"The UK boasts more volume vehicle manufacturers than any other EU country and has over 3250 companies providing 237,000 jobs across the automotive industry. In 2004, 1.65 million cars and 209,000 commercial vehicles were produced in the UK."
This detailed study examines key trends of the engine manufacturing industry and examines in particular the UK's Future Vehicles strategy, emissions standards and the role of biofuels. The study also makes clear the UK's leading role in automotive engine manufacturing and the Government's commitment to research and development.
The report highlighted the innovative projects that are being supported by the DTI Technology Programme, which is investing £320m over the next three years. These projects include developing energy efficient electric urban transport, hydrogen fuel cell technology and enhanced diesel engine lubrication systems.
Research Material:
1. The DTI/SMMT 'Study of the UK Automotive Engineering Industry' can be found at www.autoindustry.co.uk/ukprofile/powertrain/enginereport
2. Further information about the Technology Strategy can be found at http://www.dti.gov.uk/technologyprogramme/open_comps.html
3. A national Technology Strategy & Programme was one of the recommendations of the Innovation Report, December 2003, and its role was strengthened in the Government's 10-Year Science & Innovation Investment Framework, July 2004. The Technology Programme has funds of approximately £320 million over the period of 2005 to 2008, profiled to show an increase over the next three years to a level of £178 million per annum by 2007/08 following the recent Spending Review settlement. The Technology Strategy & Programme will guide government investment in UK and European R&D programmes.
4. The Technology Strategy & Programme is a key initiative in the Government's innovation plans and its expert, business-led Board will identify and back key technologies where the UK industry can commercially take advantage.
5. Last November the Prime Minister and Patricia Hewitt launched the DTI's 5-Year Programme 'Creating Wealth from Knowledge' with a new focus for the department on science, innovation and technology. It is available at http://www.dti.gov.uk/fiveyearprogramme.html
6. The Technology Programme was officially launched by Lord Sainsbury, the Science & Innovation Minister, when he announced the second (£50m) competition in April 2004 consisting of the 2 business support products:
- Collaborative R&D and
- Knowledge Transfer Networks.
A further 2 competitions for funding have since been announced in Collaborative R&D in November 2004 (£80m) and April 2005 (£100m).
Case Study Projects
Enhanced Diesel engine lubrication systems for reduced environmental impact
Project lead: Ford Motor Co. Ltd.
Over a quarter of fuel consumed by a diesel-engine car is due to parasitic losses in various components of the engine and transmission. This project aims to reduce these losses using a systems approach to the lubrication system and the tribological surfaces within the engine. The energy saving achieved translate to lower CO2 and other exhaust emissions. The knowledge generated will help retain the UK's leading position in diesel engine manufacture and lubricant development whilst contributing to the achievement of emissions targets.
2/4SIGHT - Downsized 2-stroke / 4-stroke switching engine for passenger cars
Project lead: Ricardo UK Ltd.
This project takes forward the basic research results of a Foresight Vehicle project '2/4SIGHT'. It will examine on a running engine the potential of switching between 2-stroke and 4-stroke combustion modes to enable aggressive gasoline engine downsizing, targeting a 30% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions whilst delivering superior vehicle performance and lower cost than a modern diesel engine.
Energy efficient electric urban transport
Project lead: Zytek Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles can contribute to improved air quality and reduced CO2 emission, particularly in the urban environment. This project will research electrical machine parameters, battery chemistry and waste heat management with a view to optimising energy utilisation within a battery electric city car. It will also investigate means of measuring electromagnetic pollution with a view to helping shape future legislation for electric vehicles.
LIFECar
Project lead: Morgan Motor Co. Ltd.
This project is aimed at lowering the entry barriers for hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles by demonstrating a whole system approach to vehicle design. This will involve using light-weight vehicle design optimised for the performance characteristics of the fuel cell operating at a high hybridisation level. This approach is targeted at minimising the fuel cell cost whilst achieving fuel economy commensurate with a 300 mile range.
Department of Trade and Industry
7th Floor
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Public Enquiries +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone +44 (0)20 7215 6740
(for those with hearing impairment)
www.dti.gov.uk
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