Engineering expert and head of Warwick-based firm Contechs, Pete Jarvis, believes Britain is about to enter possibly one of the biggest industrial revolutions in history.
The managing director of the engineering, design and recruitment firm says the emergence of autonomous and electric vehicles will bring about new manufacturing processes – the likes of which the country has never seen before.
He claims these new vehicles are driving new architecture and platform concept that manifest themselves in the interior of the car. And he believes there is now a need to design more high-tech, modular light-weight interiors to meet the needs of this market.
Pete said: “We are on the cusp of the biggest industrial revolution we have ever gone through. I believe that by 2025, manufacturers will be looking at vehicles being an extension to the home environment, using new materials, hi=tech connected systems, embedding Google and Apple integrated systems within lifestyle seating concepts creating truly inspirational interiors.
“As the automotive industry develops, so will the touch and feel inside of the cars – which is at the forefront of the minds of the world’s leading designers. It’s no longer just about how the car drives, it’s also about aesthetics, lifestyle and using the latest technology inside the vehicle.
“Leading manufacturers are already looking to out-do their competitors by making the inside of the vehicles cutting-edge. Designs are comfort driven and all about state-of-the-art technology, with some dashboards designed to include workstations – the possibilities are limitless.”
The popularity of electric cars in the UK has soared over the last few years and today there are more than 100,000 plug-in vehicles on the road – rising from just 3,500 in 2013.
A greater level of choice for drivers has contributed towards this huge increase in people opting for electric cars in 2018 as well as a shift in attitude towards electric vehicles and the improving public recharging network.
In March of this year, Jaguar Land Rover officially launched the I-Pace – its first electric car. And bosses say they will have electric options for the majority of models from 2020/21, as Britain’s biggest car maker becomes the latest manufacturer to embrace the electric vehicle revolution.
The I-Pace Concept has four screens conveniently positioned for the driver. The centre console contains two infotainment touchscreens, whilst vehicle information sits separately behind the steering wheel. A full-colour Head Up Display discreetly displays key information on the vehicle’s windscreen.
“The motoring world as we know it is changing,” added Pete. “The cars of tomorrow will not only be either electric or drive themselves, they will feel different on the inside too. Future cars will have many of the standard materials mixed with new and radical substances which will represent durability and new, sophisticated technology.
“Passenger screen areas will be revolutionary, with only the most incredible technology to provide the driver with a fantastic driving experience.
“These changes to the automotive industry are huge and Britain is at the forefront of design and technology. It’s an incredibly exciting time for anyone within the sector – engineering has never been so exhilarating.”
Britain Set For The Biggest Industrial Revolution In Its History, Claims Contechs Boss.
10 Aug 18