The Foresight Vehicle Programme, which started in 1996, has been one of the most successful initiatives for supporting research, design and development projects in the UK automotive industry.
Initiated by the DTI, the programme has been supported by industry and several other government departments. It has a combined total committed spend of approximately £100 million and the programme is launching its 100th project.
SMMT has always been extremely supportive of the programme and is proud to be involved in the vast network it has developed. SMMT was delighted to be asked to take on the task of programme manager in the spring of 2003.
During the early development of the programme, it was decided by the Steering Committee that a Technology Roadmap should be developed to highlight the routes and strategy the projects should take. The highly acclaimed first edition was published in 2001. This document has received recognition in the international automotive sector as well as other industrial sectors.
As with all documents of this nature, there is a need to review and update the strategy on a regular basis. Version 2 has had further input from SMMT's Engineering Committee and we are pleased to endorse its findings.
We would also like to thank all those involved especially, the five Thematic Chairmen and Cambridge University, for their hard work and support.
