- Introduction
- Environment
- Safety
- Choice
- Mobility
- Security
- Economics
The scope of the Foresight Vehicle technology roadmap is broad, reflecting the complex nature of the roadtransport system and the changing environment in which it operates. The roadmap represents a ‘rich picture’,capturing knowledge and thinking from a wide range of perspectives. Version 1.0, published in 2002 andbased on data collected in 2001, brought together more than 130 experts from across the automotive sector,representing more than 60 organisations. Market and industry trends and drivers were considered against a20 year time horizon, together with performance measures and targets for the road transport system and thetechnologies and associated research that can deliver the required benefits.
This Version (2.0) has reviewed the information contained in the original, and current views and updates on the technology directions and targets are now included. To ensure a genuine review, more than 75% of the people consulted for this exercise had not participated in Version 1.0. Although the information contained in Version 1.0 was found to be still broadly relevant, the UK commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and increasing global concerns about the use of vehicles in terrorist attacks has brought both these issues into focus. Also, although infrastructure performance measures and targets have not been included either in this or Version 1.0 of the roadmap, it is evident from the roadmapping process that bringing them together in a future version needs consideration. This includes both the physical infrastructure as well as the associated systems.
The overall goal of the technology roadmapping initiative has been to support the aims of Foresight Vehicle, providing a framework for ongoing investment in research partnerships, focused on achieving sustainable wealth creation and quality of life. The technology roadmap supports the recommended actions of the UK Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (AIGT), in terms of providing a framework for:
• Encouraging technological innovation in road vehicle systems in the short, medium and long-term. The 20 year horizon provides a ‘radar’to ensure that investment in technology and research accounts for the trends and drivers that influence the road transport system in that time frame.
• Enabling communication, discussion and action within industry collaborations, academia and networks.
• Mapping future innovation paths for a number of key technology areas, including:
- Engine and Powertrain
- Hybrid, Electric and Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles
- Advanced Software, Sensors, Electronics and Telematics
- Advanced Structures and Materials
- Design and Manufacturing Processes
For this version, the major priorities associated with the trends and drivers have been identified, giving more focus to the technology development needed. However, it is not desirable to overly constrain the research agenda. This is because of the broad scope of the roadmap, the inherent uncertainties associated with the 20 year time frame and the various interests of a diverse set of stakeholders. Rather, the roadmap should be used to provide structure, context and broad direction. This structure enables a consistent language and approach to be developed in terms of understanding the relationships between specific technology areas, system performance and industry drivers.
In this summary, the investment required in road vehicle technology and research has been considered in terms of the contribution that the investment is expected to make towards the priority goals derived from the primary environmental, societal and economic themes during the roadmapping process. These goals are summarised as follows.
