Andrew Marsh - Part 1

Auto Industry Consulting, engineering director

The first speaker up was Andrew Marsh, Auto Industry Consulting, engineering director, to present part one of his speech, titled 'engineering the art of the impossible.' In his presentation, Andrew chose to focus on the topics: evolution, proliferation and con-vergence, ADAS as a symptom and 'looking towards 2030.'

When explaining proliferation, Andrew used Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz as examples of the trend that is more models being produced by VMs that are ultimately chasing fewer customers. However, EVs are shifting this trend as fewer models are predicted to be produced.

'ADAS affects all vehicle technology,' Andrew concluded. The technology that we have now in vehicles will still be around in 2030. This will result in a disconnect between warranty times and supporting this equipment with VMs, Andrew argued.

Ali Cairns

IAEA Company Secretary

Next to present was Alison Cairns, IAEA company secretary to discuss CPD (continuing professional development.) Simply, CPD is learning. Ali explained that the IAEA members, associates and affiliates are required to complete 30 hours of CPD in a 12-month period (of which 20 hours must be formal learning.)

Ali defined formal learning as learning that has a specific outcome that can be measured or assessed. Informal learning, on the other hand, does not have a specific outcome. The big difference between the two is the actual out-come - why you are doing it and not how.

Ali concluded her presentation by describing a few activities that count as CPD including reading, mentoring, conferences, exams, webinar, and more.

Steve Plunkett

Volvo body & paint development manager

After a coffee break, attendees welcomed Steve Plunkett, Volvo body and paint development manager, to the stage to discuss vehicle technology. Steve described new vehicle technology as a 'tsunami.' He commented, 'We as VMs are challenged by new technology, let alone the aftermarket.'

Steve stated that before, repairing vehicles was relatively simple, where it had the same materials throughout. Now, it's different steel, materials and technology throughout every vehicle.

Regarding ADAS, Steve stated, 'Everything needs to be recalibrated correctly. With the way technology is headed this is vitally important.' The speaker concluded that the technology is here, and it is now.

Andrew Marsh - Part 2

Auto Industry Consulting, engineering director

Andrew Marsh returned for part two of his session, titled '2030-2050.' The topics he set out to discuss were 'who's in charge?', convergence, ADAS to autonomy and power systems. Overall there are different power structures in the industry, Andrew described, but who is in charge? 'The real boss is technology!' he stated.

ADAS needs to come along way be-fore autonomy can be realistic. Andrew said, 'There is still a tremendous amount of learning and teaching of machines to be done.'

When approaching power systems Andrew described that the 'Vehicles and driving today will look nothing like the future.' In terms of road infrastructure, the time is ripe to convert to electric power as soon as possible.

To conclude, Andrew asked 'Who will be in command of our future?' VMs, insurance and government – each think they have control of transport system. 'But the power is not theirs,' stated Andrew, 'It's engineers. We are the people who make things hap-pen. We are at the heart of it all.'

Matthew Avery

Thatcham, director of researc

Next to the stage was Thatcham Research's director of research Matthew Avery to discuss automated driving and the car of the future. Matthew highlighted the issues involved with the different levels of automation and how this affects the industry.

When looking at different levels of automation, the issue lies in Level three. Matthew stated, 'Level three is contentious. There still needs to be driver attention but there are issues with drivers switching off and not taking control when necessary. It creates a lot of grey area.' In an insurer's view vehicles need to be either assisted or automated driving so that there is no in-between and zero question of liability.

To summarise, Matthew ended with reminding attendees of the future car's complexity surrounding construction, power train, connectivity and data control.

Tom Wood

Cazana CEO

Last on stage at the IAEA conference was Tom Wood, Cazana CEO, to discuss the company's role in the industry and PAVs (pre-accident values). Cazana reveals vehicle history with an unique profile for every vehicle on the road. 'We work with three main customer groups: dealers and VMs, lenders and insurers and modern auto consumers,' Tom stated.

Cazana gathers data from environment and work back from that point to get the retail figure on data, where it is updated monthly. 'To know PAV it is about understanding what has happened to a vehicle over time, not just determining value,' Tom concluded.

British Motor Museum opened its doors to delegates

After an exciting host of speakers and networking opportunities, guests were invited to walk around the British Motor Museum to absorb the past of automotive after heavy discussions of the future.