The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has, despite the global pandemic, continued its proactive and innovative approach, with the launch of two key initiatives.
As the UK’s largest automotive body, with over 270 members, the NEAA provides an unparallel collaborative network where companies find benefit from leadership and co-ordination of activities of mutual benefit. There are several focused working groups covering five areas: business resilience, skills, trade and investment, network and connectivity and innovation and technology that drive collaboration and best practice across the region.
Innovation and technology is a key pillar in the NEAA’s vision for the region to be recognised as a true automotive powerhouse with a very dynamic, forward looking and competitive supply chain that incorporates strengths in research, development and innovation in new automotive electrification technologies and manufacturing processes.
There have been two recent developments in delivering this vision:
Firstly, EV North, previously announced as the NEAA Electrified Powertrain Technologies Group, aims to support advances in new technology across the region, particularly in powertrain electrification.
Chaired by Ryan Maughan, founder of AVID Technology, who has long been at the forefront of the shift towards electrification, EV North is an important step in supporting the North East’s transition to become a true automotive powerhouse and a location of choice for automotive investment in Europe.
Ryan Maughan, said: “EV North, set up by members of the alliance, is an opportunity to promote the region as an innovative and forward-thinking environment and to also leverage collaborative working.”
Secondly, the 5G Connected and Automated Logistics (CAL) project. In July, the NEAA and partners Sunderland City Council, Newcastle University, Vantec, Coventry University, Connected Places Catapult, StreetDrone and Perform Green, secured funding for a 5G enabled CAL pilot and proof of concept.
The £4.9m project will receive £2.4m from 5G Create, a £30 million open competition, combining British creativity with innovative new uses for 5G, as part of the wider £200 million 5G testbeds and trials programme (5GTT) funded by the UK Government. The project will deliver a huge stride forward in CAL, proving last-mile delivery for an autonomous HGV up to 40 tonnes on a private road. 5G is essential, as it will enable the removal of the safety driver from the process, allowing remote teleoperations to overcome abnormal situations.
Paul Butler, chief executive, North East Automotive Alliance, said: “Innovation is a key priority for the recovery of the automotive sector. The aim of these innovation and technology initiatives is to create an environment for collaboration, sharing knowledge and ideas and, ultimately, creating more and better jobs.
“We want to expand the national innovation eco system, build on our regional capacity and produce more demonstration and testbeds, whilst reducing the cost and risk of innovation which will see us attract more regional talent.
“Academic research through our universities will enable us to attract more public sector funding as seen with the successful 5G project to develop nationally significant programmes, creating a region that fully embraces innovation and crystallises regional assets.
“These initiatives are great examples of how we are leading the way as a sector body.”
Matt Boyle chairman of the NEAA, will play a leading role in the co-ordination of these activities as one of the authors of Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge and chair of the 5G CAL project board.
Matt Boyle, said: “It is extremely important that the NEAA steps up, shows leadership and drives the discussion. This is a big moment for the alliance. It is highly regarded by leading figures in both automotive and political circles and is informed by a huge membership. As Chairman of the NEAA, I am delighted to be playing a leading role in these important initiatives.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for the North East to demonstrate its collaborative nature and deliver significant added value through the co-ordination of these programmes.”