Engineering news
Published today (1 November) by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Connected and automated mobility: The UK economic and market opportunities claims “extensive socio-economic benefits for Britain” if connected and automated mobility (CAM) technology is adopted in a range of commercial applications, from self-driving cars and logistics vehicles to automated buses, taxis, shuttles and even tractors.
CAM technology enables vehicles to drive without human intervention while connecting with each other and surrounding infrastructure. “Boosting rollout would not only cement the UK’s status as a global leader in this next-gen tech, but it would also create some 342,000 additional jobs across the economy from now to 2040, with 12,250 in automotive manufacturing,” an SMMT announcement said.
The report, summarising a study by professional services firm KPMG and funded by Innovate UK, with support from the Automotive Council and CAM promoter Zenzic, also found that 3,900 lives could be saved, with 60,000 serious accidents prevented across the same period. This could reduce insurance premiums and provide greater travel freedom for people with disabilities, the SMMT said.
“With a significant public-private investment of more than £600m already committed to CAM testing since 2015, government and industry must now create the conditions to safely and responsibly deploy the technology across passenger cars, services and commercial and industrial vehicles,” the announcement said. “While Britain is already well placed to implement CAM technology into passenger cars, significant new opportunities for growth exist in eight other markets, thanks to the ability of CAM tech to deliver efficiency and productivity gains in everyday transport and business activities.”
Among these markets, the report found that on-road logistics could be the largest, with annual revenue of £15.2bn by 2040 from rolling out CAM technology. Implementing it in buses, taxis and ride-hailing could bring annual revenue of £3.7bn, and its use in off-road logistics could bring £2.3bn per year. Some of the earliest deployment opportunities could be in mining and farming.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While fully automated road journeys are still some way off, advances in connected and automated mobility technology means they’re within our future – presenting a significant opportunity to revolutionise transport in the UK.
“Government must work with all stakeholders to implement the necessary framework needed to deliver this exciting revolution swiftly and effectively, ensuring that consumers can reap the lifesaving and cost saving benefits. Failing to do so risks leaving the UK in the slow lane, jeopardising our competitiveness and impeding growth and job creation.”
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