North East to become “true automotive powerhouse” for electric vehicles with new tech group

A North East business leader is set to lead a new technology group aiming to bring electrification to the region.

AVID Technology founder and managing director Ryan Maughan will chair the newly formed Electrified Powertrain Technology Group, which will focus on the innovation and expansion of electric vehicle technology.

Ryan explained: “We have a huge problem with carbon emissions and climate change, something that I am very passionate about and that is why we looked to electrify vehicle powertrains.

“Having spent a lot of time travelling, I was always aware of air pollution but calls to reduce emissions were not having a big enough impact. Our vision has always been to deliver a greener future by enabling smart powertrain electrification.

“The Electrified Powertrain Technology Group, set up by members of the [North East Automotive Alliance], is an opportunity to promote the region as an innovative and forward-thinking environment and to also leverage collaborative working.”

The news follows the recent announcement that Newcastle University will lead a new £30m network of industrial centres to support research and development of power electronics, electric machines and drives, as part of the wider £80m Driving the Electric Revolution (DER) programme.

Paul Butler, chief executive of the North East Automotive Alliance, added: “The North East is in prime position to capitalise on the electric vehicle revolution.

“It is home to Europe’s most successful electric vehicle, the Nissan LEAF, to Europe’s first ever giga factory, the Envision AESC UK and produces over one million electric motors per annum. Quite simply, we are already a globally significant location for electrified powertrain technologies.

“The new Electrified Powertrain Technology Group is an important step in supporting the North East’s transition to become a true automotive powerhouse and a location of choice for automotive investment in Europe.”

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