by News Editor | Jan 5, 2016 | News
News Editor Appeared in The Ami 2016 UK Franchised Dealer Report Mobility is a fact of life. People and goods need to constantly move to and from our cities to keep our economy functioning efficiently and effectively. However it is also a fact that we’re facing a period of immense change when it comes to mobility and the existing paradigms will be challenged. According to the World Health Organisation, the UK is estimated to suffer £54 billion in economic costs associated with air pollution, including deaths and disease. The premature deaths of about 29,000 people a year are attributed to air pollution in the UK. It is Cities that are having to make the most radical adaptions. Our economy would collapse without mobility, whether this is for business or recreation. The city of the future has to balance all of these factors. Many rapidly growing cities around the world are failing to do this, resulting in environments where people only live there for economic reasons. One challenge is that the current methods of mobility are established, affordable and they work, even if they are not sustainable. For business and the public to change their method of mobility, the replacement technology must be affordable and work. Otherwise the changes will have to be forced onto people, something politicians fear. While some sales can be achieved through people with a personal motivation or desire for green credentials, this will never account for the main body of consumers. So what could change our habits? I would suggest it is one or more of the following; cost (vehicles must cost the same or...
by News Editor | Dec 2, 2015 | News
News Editor The North East Automotive Alliance recently announce the official launch of its fourth stream of activity; Innovation & Technology. Chaired by Dr Colin Herron, Managing Director of Zero Carbon Futures, NEAA’s new Innovation & Technology Group was launched at the House of Commons at the end of 2015 as part of a wider NEAA reception with MPs and industrialists to showcase the strength of the region’s automotive industry. The event, which was a great success, was hosted by Washington and Sunderland West MP Sharon Hodgson, who said: “It feels like every week there is a new success story, record broken, or initiative set up in this sector, and I am just incredibly proud of the hard work that goes on in our region every single day. The Innovation & Technology Group will work with key players in the North East to form an innovation hub. Innovation was one of the key working areas identified by automotive businesses when the NEAA initially developed its strategy. Dr Colin Herron, Managing Director at Zero Carbon Futures and Chair of the Innovation & Technology Group said; “To accomplish this we need to build a collaborative structure within the region, which will support industry in a manner which is directed by industry. “The next stage is to engage industry to build upon an initial meeting of supporting agencies, both national and local. This initial meeting has led to a draft Terms of Reference being produced, which will be put to the NEAA board and the steering group for approval. The key thing for the Innovation and Technology group is to decide what direction...
by News Editor | Oct 1, 2015 | News
News Editor Appeared in Mundo Electrico Magazine Transport is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and in the global challenge of climate change, the spotlight has been turned to ways in which the world can reduce transport emissions. One of the most promising solutions to improve air quality problems in cities, reduce the transport impact on climate change and contribute to energy independence is the electrification of transport. The uptake of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles has therefore been seen as a key driver that will provide a solution towards reducing urban pollution. To date, however, there has been some major barriers to increasing e-mobility and the main blocker to greater electric vehicle (EV) uptake comes from perceived ‘range anxiety’ in the absence of an appropriate EV recharging infrastructure. Dr Colin Herron, Managing Director of low carbon consultancy, Zero Carbon Futures, based in the UK said: “Range anxiety is still the largest barrier that people cite when they are thinking about purchasing an electric car. Studies across Europe all tell us the same thing – that until there is a network of visible, public charging throughout towns, cities and countries, then people will not consider EVs as a viable option.” In the UK, it is the Government’s ‘Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ (OLEV) which has been responsible for developing policy surrounding EV uptake. In 2010, the Government launched their Plugged in Places programme which provided funding and support to areas of the UK to install and develop electric vehicle charging networks. One of the areas chosen by the Government to install the first regional network was North East...
by News Editor | May 21, 2015 | News
News Editor A new centre in Sunderland that aims to position the UK a focus for the development and integration of low carbon vehicle technologies is set to open its doors on June 9th. Developed by Zero Carbon Futures and managed by Gateshead College, the Future Technology Centre provides a unique combination of offices, research and development space, manufacturing facilities, training and classroom space as well as proximity to a dedicated LCV performance test track supported by a complete range of charging infrastructure. The region’s first purpose built centre for automotive development is located in the heart of the automotive industry in Washington, Sunderland and is part of the A19 Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Corridor Enterprise Zone. Owned and managed by Gateshead College, the £4.48m Future Technology Centre is the first of its kind in Europe and provides companies working in the automotive and low carbon vehicle sector with the opportunity to develop and commercialise innovative technologies. The facility has received £2.36m from the Government’s Regional Growth Fund, with £2.12m investment from the College. “The Future Technology Centre is crucial to the successful development and implementation of low carbon vehicle technologies, and is central to the North East becoming the UK’s technology hub in this emerging sector,” says Judith Doyle, principal and chief executive of Gateshead College. “This financial commitment is indicative of the College’s investment in the future of its students, working to secure sustainable employment for people in the region while also attracting leading expertise to the area. As well as boosting the region’s economy through nurturing business and securing long-term employment growth, the Future Technology Centre...
