Automotive technology delegation heads to JSAE

The event, which runs from 22th to 24th May in Yokohama, and claims to be the biggest and one of the most important automotive technology conferences and exhibitions in Japan, attracting more than 70,000 visitors including engineers, researchers and academia from major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and other supply chain partners in the region.

“The UK is a catalyst for change and has many pioneering companies who are leading the way in the development of low carbon and autonomous vehicle technologies,” commented Ian Constance, Chief Executive of the Advanced Propulsion Centre. “The record size of the UK Pavilion at this major international automotive technology event reflects the significance of the UK’s contribution and expertise in these areas. By supporting key activities such as JSAE, we can continue to help UK companies showcase their skills and knowledge while developing new partnerships that encourage further collaboration and overseas investment into the UK.”

Twenty-one of the UK’s leading automotive technology OEMs and SMEs will form the UK Pavilion, showcasing their expertise in areas such as lightweight vehicles, battery technology, intelligent mobility and thermal propulsion systems. The joined-up approach, managed by the Advanced Propulsion Centre, is designed to demonstrate to Japanese companies that Britain is a great place to collaborate on the research, development and production of cutting-edge, low carbon automotive innovation and intelligent mobility, powering next generation vehicles.

Indeed, notable successes on previous similar UK Pavilions have led to direct new business wins for exhibitors worth as much as £1.5m per year. Other successes include positive networking opportunities which have helped unlock significant growth for those participating on the pavilion, as was the case of Sunderland-based Zero Carbon Futures, who entered into discussions on a previous UK Pavilion in Japan. 

The ongoing discussions later resulted in the £19m High Energy Density Battery collaborative project where Nissan allowed its automotive technology to be used by a third party for the first time ever to enable the 40kw/h battery, that powers the current Nissan LEAF, to be produced in the UK.