BIRMINGHAM, UK - 16th February 2004 - TRW Conekt and RDM Insight, together with a number of high profile industry partners, are in the process of creating an Automotive High Voltage Specialist Centre (AHVSC), which will be supported by the Accelerate® Initiative.
New features and functions of cars are demanding more robust high power electrical supply systems. Systems based on the 12/14volt standard are reaching the limit of their capacity to deliver and this has pushed car manufacturers and their key electrical system suppliers to develop a new 42volt standard, which is being gradually introduced into the marketplace starting in 2005. This together with the introduction of even higher voltage systems on hybrid vehicles presents a threat and opportunity to suppliers of electronic systems, electrical components, subassemblies and materials.
Accelerate® is committed to helping West Midland?s automotive suppliers compete effectively in the world?s most demanding global industry. In just seven years, the initiative has assisted over 1000 companies in securing production efficiencies and best practice manufacturing techniques, safeguarding and creating over 16,000 jobs in the process. Going forward, it has secured funds from Advantage West Midlands and Europe to continue the roll-out of its services until 2007.
The AHVSC will be focused on improving the competitiveness of the Automotive West Midlands SME community. It will provide SMEs with an opportunity to make a difference and influence change, whilst gaining assistance at the same time. When established, the AHVSC will assist automotive SMEs in the West Midlands to meet the challenges in making the transition to higher voltage electrical systems. The provision of such assistance requires the guidance and technical resources available from larger companies at the OEM and Tier 1 level.
As part of this initiative, three seminars have been organised focusing on the opportunities and threats created by higher voltage automotive systems. These seminars will take place at the TRW Technical Centre, Solihull, UK on Wednesday 18th March, Thursday 8th April and Tuesday 27th April 2004 and will be open to West Midland SME.
The seminars will be conducted by Alan Williams, Electrical System Manager for TRW Conekt. Alan has 15 years experience in the area of higher voltage and has given a number of lectures on the topic to the IEE. Alan is also currently involved in organising higher voltage seminars for the DTI.
There is no charge for attending these seminars, and they will provide a great opportunity to learn and debate with leading experts in the field developing the AHVSC at TRW Conekt in Solihull.
For more information or to register to attend one of the seminars, please contact Alan Williams by phone on +44 (0)121 627 3057, or e-mail Alan.G.Williams@trw.com.
