Pictured above: Morgan's Motor Company's LIFEcarII -
currently being developed by Birmingham City University, Oxford
University and Cranfield University under a Knowledge Transfer
Programme
International experts have gathered at Birmingham City
University to discuss what we will be driving on the roads in the
future.
On Wednesday 24 November, the University's Faculty of
Technology, Engineering and the Environment hosted the Fourth
Advanced Powertrain Control Symposium at Millennium Point. The
event brought together engines, hybrid vehicle and alternative
fuels experts to share developments in the area of the automotive
industry known as powertrain control, which refers to the
components that generate power and deliver it to the wheels while
optimising fuel economy and emissions.
Major names from the automotive world were present including
Jaguar Land Rover, Morgan Motor Company and Ricardo. Delegates from
as far afield as Japan and India gave speeches and the keynote
address was given by Dr Daryao Khatri, Vice President of SAE
India.
The Symposium is held every two years, and this year's key
themes included the latest developments in alternative fuels,
hybrid vehicles and safety critical systems (systems whose failure
or malfunction may result in serious injury to people or damage to
equipment or the environment).
The programme was closed by an address by Charles Morgan,
grandson of the Founder of Morgan Motor Cars. Symposium convenor,
Dr. Manjit Singh Srai, said: "The automotive industry is facing
huge challenges to reduce engine emissions and increase fuel
efficiency as global oil production begins to fall. The symposium
brings together leading automotive manufacturers and companies
developing new tools, technologies and systems to optimise not only
conventional petrol and diesel powertrains but also explore
emerging trends in alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles".
Parmjit Chima, Head of the University's School of Engineering,
Design and Manufacturing Systems said: "The symposium provided a
unique opportunity for the automotive industry to engage,
disseminate and exchange information on powertrain control systems
- a key driver in the design of new automotive vehicles of the
future."