The auto sector is being squeezed by several forces and all is not just Brexit related. Yes the uncertainty of the Brexit situation is a significant factor but manufacturing can always deal with change. Whilst not wishing to come down in favour of either the remain or leave position, it is the uncertainty generated during ongoing debate since the referendum by all sides of the argument that has resulted in a toxic situation in the economic, social, commercial and political spheres. This is significantly damaging our auto industry and supplier base.
Far more significant though is the misinformed statements that are constantly emerging relating to diesel engines. It is beyond doubt that older diesel engines are causing significant damage to our atmosphere but the more modern Eco engines are significantly kinder to the climate than petrol engines. Our politicians should really look at the damage they are doing to our economy and manufacturing base by issuing inaccurate and incomplete statements when commenting on the environmental impacts of modern engines and stating comparisons. By way of a personal and reflective comment, it would be very interesting to see what the impact on the atmosphere is from the pollution emanating from commercial, military and leisure shipping as most of the world fleets have very old engines which emit large volumes of pollution as they go around the world.
Finally, we have the drive to electric vehicles. Quite simply we are not ready. If just 50% of all vehicles were to move to electric then just where does the power come from. Some points for consideration include:
(i) Where are all the rare earth metals coming from to make the cells required
(ii) Has the whole life ecological impact of the volume of cells required been studied in detail? I doubt it!
(iii) Where is the base load charge coming from? Renewables cannot meet the base-load required at existing levels so what happens when 50% of all vehicles are electric and how will the grid cope with surges based upon the working day pattern? Will this require changes in work patterns driven by grid limitations? In addition, if this thesis is correct then the social/economic impacts of a paradigm shift in work patterns needs to be fully understood and strategies defined.
(iv) The future needs Nuclear to protect base loads and surges but it takes many years to build new nuclear plants and there appears to be no connected strategies with all sectors being fragmented at their interfaces.
Therefore, much strategic thought is required I feel at all levels. As for me I feel that the immediate significant challenges lie within the energy and infrastructure sectors. On a personal level I feel that these drivers are pulling me towards the Nuclear Sector with a special focus on the quality and robustness of Engineering Projects. I therefore announce that I have now started to address some of these challenges (albeit in a small way) by moving to Nuvia UK based in Harwell. More to follow...................