A network of electronics companies and car makers developing systems for the automotive sector in the UK has been created by industry body the NMI.
Automotive Electronic Systems Innovation Network(AESIN)incorporates car manufacturers and supply chain partners,including Jaguar LandRover,Lotus,Nissan,McLaren Electronic Systems,Freescale,Infineon,Renesas and Visteon.
'Vehicle design has changed dramatically in recent times and cars are no longer simple mechanical machines;they are now dependent on electronic systems that make them greener,safer and more comfortable,'said Derek Boyd,CEO of NMI.
'The UK has a strong base of vehicle,motor-sport and electronic-engineering capability and this new network provides a specialist home for electronic systems innovation and supply-chain development,'said Boyd.
The AESIN launch took place during NMI's Automotive Electronic Systems conference,held at the University of Warwick.
'The collaboration between electronic firms and car manufacturers is paramount to define the next human machine interfaces and graphics solutions that allow safe connectivity,'said Freescale's Steve Wainright.
'One of the key agendas of AESIN is to take a step away from what's currently done and determine the true best practice,'said Tim Strafford from McLaren Electronic Systems.'The constraints and competition in F1,Indycar and NASCAR have made for an excellent environment for innovation.
AESIN's programme of initiatives will work in alignment with the UK Automotive Council and activity will include technology days that showcase innovation,innovation seminars to reduce technical and business model constraints and incubation sessions to progress ideas with UK Funding support.
