INDUSTRY FOCUS AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN Multimatic to build Metrocab
Frazer-Nash Research and Ecotive, makers of the all-new Metrocab – the only zero-emissions capable black cab currently operating in London – have announced that the Metrocab for the UK will enter volume production in Coventry next year as part of a new partnership with manufacturing specialist, Multimatic
M
ultimatic is a privately held global corporation supplying components,
systems and services to the automotive industry. Multimatic’s core competencies lie in the high volume manufacture of automotive mechanisms, structures and suspension components, as well as the design and development of automotive body and chassis systems. Multimatic Niche Vehicles (MNV)
manufactures complete cars as well as body/chassis assemblies for low volume programmes such as Aston Martin’s One- 77, Zagato and GT12, the Lagonda Taraf and Ford GT. Multimatic Engineering supplies customers as diverse as Red Bull Formula One, Tesla and Mercedes AMG. Multimatic has a well-established manufacturing facility in Coventry, which is now undergoing a programme of expansion to accommodate the start of Metrocab production next year. Metrocab chairman, Sir Charles
Masefield, says: “This announcement marks another important step in bringing the all-new electric powered Metrocab to volume production. Our prototype fleet is already operating very successfully in London, proving that our Range Extended Electric taxis are the solution to delivering on the City’s Ultra Low Emission Zones promises from 2018. Next year we will enter volume production with the hugely respected and experienced Multimatic. We are delighted to be working with such an established partner to fulfil our ambitions following our significant investment in developing this product and to bring further skilled jobs to the UK.” Multimatic Vice President, Larry Holt
adds: “We have been following closely the development of zero-emissions capable taxis in the UK, and have worked with Metrocab for a number of years to bring their prototype fleet to the market. We are all delighted with the performance and operational results of this first fleet, and it is very satisfying to now commit to enter
8 JUNE 2015 | AUTOMATION
The purpose-built all-new Range-Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation technology
series production of the all-new Metrocab. The taxi has clearly been designed and engineered from the ground up with the global market in mind, and Multimatic has the facilities and capabilities to make this a truly international product – a prospect which really excites us.” The Metrocab is available now on the streets of London as a small trial fleet operated by Comcab, and is the first zero-emission-capable taxi to be licensed by Transport for London to operate on a trial basis as a London Hackney Carriage. The purpose-built all-new Range- Extended Electric (REE) Metrocab taxi represents the cutting edge of green transportation technology. The vehicle incorporates the latest technology for comfort, performance and safety, providing unrivalled efficiency and economy with significantly reduced daily operation and maintenance costs together with customer benefits
including full disabled accessibility, panoramic roof for views of the city, increased luggage space and unrivalled comfort for up to seven passengers. The taxi is driven by two electric
motors, with a 1-litre petrol engine range extender coupled with an optimised generator to recharge the battery pack (which takes as little as 10 minutes while driving). Charging is also available via any mains electric outlet providing even lower fuel consumption. Developed by Surrey-based Frazer- Nash Research, this unique powertrain system offers ultra-low emissions and a zero emissions mode, improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and economic benefits including tax incentives and grants.
Metrocab
www.newmetrocab.com
Multimatic
www.multimatic.com
Enter 201 Enter 202 PREMIUM LOGISTICS VITAL FOR UK AUTOMOTIVE GROWTH
Recent figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) demonstrate the synergies between a growing UK automotive industry and the requirement for premium logistics provision. UK vehicle production for the domestic market is up 19 percent to date in 2015, compared to the 18 percent sales growth experienced by emergency logistics provider Evolution Time Critical in the last financial year. “The results demonstrate that premium logistics is a key resource for vehicle manufacturers to safeguard production and enable sustained
business growth; forecasts see the UK producing an all-time-high of more than two-million cars per year in 2017, and the requirement for such expertise will expand at a comparable rate,” says Evolution Time Critical managing director, Brad Brennan. Working with a dedicated emergency logistics provider allows vehicle manufacturers to squeeze
production strategies knowing that a safeguard is in place, so while higher risk strategies can be adopted the fear of supply chain failure is reduced. As the synergies between premium logistics provider and vehicle manufacturer evolve, traditional emergency expertise is factored into initial logistics planning. Vehicle launches are contracting in frequency, model range and trim options become ever-more diverse and a global production footprint places increased strain on vehicle manufacturers seeking to optimise production without jeopardising previously robust supply chain links. “Such potentially turbulent supply chain factors heighten the need for the contingency provided by working
with a dependable premium logistics partner,” concludes Brennan. “The UK automotive market has experienced over three years of continuous growth and in the next five years another 100,000 new automotive jobs are expected to be generated: in such booming times, emergency logistics expertise continues to grow in to the role of higher risk strategy enabler, from the traditional role of supply chain saviour.” Evolution Time Critical
www.evolution-timecritical.com
Enter 203 /AUTOMATION
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