BIRMINGHAM, UK - 10th October 2004 - TRW Conekt today announced the launch of the second stage of the Automotive Higher Voltage Specialist Centre (AHVSC) project, an initiative designed to support West Midlands automotive small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) with the introduction of higher voltage automotive systems.
The demand for electric power on-board automotive vehicles continues to increase and it is becoming clear that the existing 12/14 volt electric system format is reaching the limit of its capacity. Consequently, there is a need to develop higher voltage electrical systems which would be better able to satisfy future demand for electric power as well as enable the use of advanced vehicle systems such as 'steer-by-wire'. Higher voltage electric systems are also found in hybrid-electric vehicles, a market segment predicted to grow considerably in the near future.
Conekt was selected by Accelerate®, a West Midlands forum focused on supporting the region's automotive industry, to manage and coordinate the AHVSC project, which has since attracted the support of a number of partners, including Airtex, Bristol University, Leoni Wiring Systems (UK), MG-Rover, Phillips Semiconductors, Solvay, RAC, RDM-Insight and TRW Automotive.
Conekt is managing the programme in a series of stages: Stage one sought to understand the needs and issues faced by West Midlands SMEs and the Centre's industrial partners in relation to higher voltage systems. The AHVSC is currently entering stage two, which will see the creation of Special Interest Groups that will help define the subsequent activities for the AHVSC. During this stage, SMEs and partners will also attend a series of workshops aimed at raising awareness of the technical issues surrounding higher voltage systems.
Dr Kevin Richardson of TRW Conekt commented: "The AHVSC aims to prepare SMEs for the challenges and opportunities that the development of higher voltage systems presents. The workshops provide an opportunity for SMEs to become aware of anticipated changes in the implementation of automotive electrical systems. The participation of our partners ensures that our current and future activities remain relevant by fully considering the requirements of technology providers, vehicle manufacturers and motoring organisations".
Stage three of the project is due to commence in 2005 and will involve demonstrator-based development work, designed to generate practical solutions to higher voltage issues faced by suppliers. This should in turn provide them with the tools and knowledge to offer a competitive advantage as the use of higher voltage systems increases within the automotive industry.
For further information please contact Conekt +44 (0) 121 627 4777 or e-mail conekt.enquiries@trw.com.
