Product category:
Engineering Industry Developments and Awards
News Release from: Ricardo
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 13 June 2001
Former Honda President addresses auto
conference
Automotive manufacturers need to understand the fundamental nature of the latest technologies required for vehicle development, says Nobuhiko Kawamoto, former president of Honda Motor Company
The way to successfully meet the demand for advanced environmentally friendly vehicles in the 21st century is for automotive manufacturers to understand the fundamental nature of the latest technologies required for vehicle development With these opening remarks, Nobuhiko Kawamoto, former president of Honda Motor Company, struck a resonant opening chord with senior engineers and other leading automotive industry experts attending the second Ricardo international conference held in Brighton in the UK on 12-13 June 2001
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 19 Nov 2001 at 8.00am (UK)
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Commenting on the need to embrace new technology while balancing a commitment to the environment against customer needs, Kawamoto said: "With increasing demands for the reduction of CO2 levels and elimination of exhaust pollutants, it is essential that automotive manufacturers take responsibility for the development of these technologies without delay." Kawamoto explained the need for an evolutionary step-by-step approach, citing the example of Honda's development of a purpose-built battery electric vehicle in 1997 as a necessary precursor to the successful development of the Insight hybrid electric vehicle.
"The technological know-how Honda gained from the project was essential to achieving subsequent advanced technologies," he added.
"The investment was worthwhile and critical for developing the hybrid electric vehicle." Kawamoto said that Honda has determined that the fuel cell electric vehicle - using hydrogen fuel - will ultimately be the most cost-effective system for the reduction of CO2.
Meanwhile, the company recognises that the gasoline hybrid electric system will more quickly achieve a significant reduction of exhaust emissions and CO2 levels without causing major upheaval in the infrastructure of the automotive industry.
"As a result of its investment in the fundamental technologies that are used in the Insight, Honda is now making concrete plans to adapt and apply these technologies in production programmes and other even more advanced vehicles for the future," said Nobuhiko Kawamoto in concluding his conference speech.
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Honda's director and advisor was invited to address the high level engineering conference by Ricardo chief executive Rodney Westhead, who in his welcoming remarks commented on the success of last year's inaugural event and the encouraging feedback from delegates.
"Ricardo views itself as being at the centre of the automotive industry and an event of this nature underscores that vision," said Westhead.
"In developing this conference we can only be a catalyst for such events and have sought participation from all parts of the automotive world: from vehicle manufacturers, tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, academic research teams, and engineering services providers - including Ricardo and its principal competitors." The theme for the Ricardo conference this year is 'vehicle systems integration in the wired world'.
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The subject reflects the high level of interest in issues of vehicle integration and the opportunities provided by emergent control, electronics and information as well as computer based technologies.
Within the context of these issues the conference focussed upon four themed technical sessions reflecting the key drivers of development influencing the industry: The drive for globalisation: In his session keynote delivered on the first day of the conference, Dr Otto Willenbockel, executive director engines, General Motors Powertrain, addressed the consolidation in the automotive industry and the forging ahead of alliances.
Other speakers included Michel Lifermann from the Valeo Group as well as Ford engineers Stewart Duncan, Simon Palmer and Michael Wong.
The drive for the virtual powertrain and vehicle: Dr Jan Leuridanm vice-president LMS International in his session keynote addressed the 'real breakthrough in functional performance engineering'.
Other speakers included Ford engineers Lee Baverstock, Tony Hughes, Ged Keegan and Ian Pennington; Daniel Ruiz of Arup, Stuart Smith, Freerk Bosmo and Neil Sharpe of TNO Automotive, also Dr Ian Noell of The Mathworks.
The drive for systems engineering and supply: On the second day of the conference the third session keynote, to be delivered by Steve Haywood, chief programme engineer at Land Rover, will consider systems engineering and supply from the perspective of the vehicle manufacturer.
Other speakers include Roger Stone of Gates Engine Systems, and from Corus, Peter Rawlinson, programme director Ultralight Steel Auto Suspensions (ULSAS), also Peter Gresch and Axel Nix from Adam Opel, Dr John Beil and Fred Hill of Benteler Automotive, and Dr Mark Crocker of Degussa Metal Catalysts Cerdec Corp.
The drive for control and electronics: Dr Gerd Teepe, manager for strategy and advanced systems laboratories at Motorola, will deliver the fourth and final conference session keynote.
Other speakers include Matthias Kusell and Rainer Ortmann from Robert Bosch, Stephen Pole, Klaus lamberg and Dr Peter W?lterman of dSPACE and Dr Mathias Pillin and Dr Klaus Lebert of ETAS.
In a week in which Ricardo technology is strongly represented in the run-up to Le Mans - the company is technical partner and transmission supplier for the Audi R8 team, supplies driveline components for the Dodge Viper and supports the PK Sport Porsche 911 GT3 entry - the two-day conference concludes with a dinner for which the main speech will be aptly provided by former F1 racing driver and McLaren test driver Dr.Jonathan Palmer.
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