Foresight Vehicle Technology Roadmap - Institute for Manufacturing

Productconfigurability /flexibilityEconomicsEnvironmentA growing demand for greater product variety is anticipated, to meet futureconsumer requirements in terms of lifestyles and demographics. Vehicles needto be re-configured more easily, throughout the life cycle, including design,production, service and end-of-life.Structural systems and materials form a significant proportion of vehicle weightand cost, in terms of raw materials, production, use and disposal / recycling.Advances in materials technology, and the associated design and manufacturingprocesses, also provide significant potential for enhancing vehicle performanceand adding value.Improvements to materials and associated production processes can make asignificant contribution to the environmental goals of reducing energy use,emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, including consideration ofthe full vehicle life cycle.Design and manufacturing processes (DMaP)LifecycleManufacturingIntegrationThe development of sustainable road transport, in terms of meeting social,economic and environmental needs, requires consideration of the full vehiclelife cycle, including design, production, distribution, use and end-of-life (re-use,recycling and disposal). Substantial reductions in total system material andenergy consumption are required, together with reduced pollution and waste,whilst at the same time increasing economic performance in a globallycompetitive market.Improved manufacturing systems, particularly in terms of flexibility and agility,are crucial for achieving the social, economic and environmental goals describedabove, in terms of reducing energy and material consumption, reducingemissions and increasing efficiency and competitiveness.Systems integration is crucial if significant improvements to overall life cycleperformance of road vehicles are to be achieved. This includes consideration ofhow the various vehicle sub-systems operate together, how the vehicle isdesigned, manufactured and operated, and how the information and knowledgethat enables these systems to function can be combined more effectively.The Foresight Vehicle technology roadmap (version 1.0) represents a significant first step in terms ofcapturing, sharing and structuring expert knowledge within the automotive sector, but greater benefitscan be obtained if the roadmap can be kept ‘alive’ on an ongoing basis. It is recommended that theroadmap should be reviewed periodically to refine and update the content and structure, and toenhance the strategic focus.42