Investigating the barriers and enablers for step change in the success of the micro compact car industry.

This research project focuses on addressing a major resource- and energy-efficiency challenge in personal mobility. Systems change is needed in the car industry. Despite cleaner electric drivetrains, cars continue year on year to become heavier, and more resource intensive. The trend towards heavier and more luxurious vehicles is driven by a combination of consumer preferences, regulation, technological advancements, and market competition.

Various authors have been looking at the role that cars play in society (Kinsley and Urry, 2009). Some have begun to explore the technological and economic lock-in to our existing model for personal mobility (Urry, 2013). Much research is being done on the potential impact reduction through new product service systems enabled by autonomous vehicles (e.g. Narayanan et.al., 2020) . However, even in more sustainable future scenarios authors have argued that some personal vehicles will still be needed (Bihouix, 2020).

Micro compact cars also known as bubble cars, microcars or minicars have been developed by main stream manufacturers, entrepreneurs and start-ups since the 1950’s. The latest innovation efforts are from companies such as: Citroen (PSA) , Renault, Squad Mobility, Elio Motors, Electricbrands, Luvly, ElectraMeccanica, Freze Froggy, etc.

In a green industrial future a car industry is needed which delivers resource-efficient personal mobility. Research is needed to investigate micro car innovation today using whole systems and value analysis to determine what the barriers and enablers are to support more rapid growth of this industry.

Candidates from a range of backgrounds are welcome to apply. Candidates might have a background in: innovation, technology or engineering management, industrial strategy, systems engineering, psychology, policy research, product design, industrial design, human factors, sustainable technologies or engineering. The research activities are likely to be qualitative in nature and involve the recruitment and interaction with experts and industry. The multidisciplinary supervisory team are from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the School of Management.

This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS CDT). AAPS CDT is supporting the future leaders of mobility. Bringing together industry, policymakers, academics and researchers to pioneer and shape the transition to clean, sustainable mobility for all.

Prospective students for this project will be applying for the CDT programme which integrates deep research with a unique skills and training programme to give you comprehensive training and detailed knowledge in your chosen specific subject area alongside colleagues working across a broad spectrum of challenges facing the industry.

The AAPS community is both stretching and supportive, encouraging our students to explore their research in a challenging and highly collaborative way. You will be able to work with peers from a diverse background, academics with real world experience and a broad spectrum of industry partners.

As part of our AAPS community you will benefit from our training activities such mentoring future cohorts and participation in centre activities such as masterclasses, research seminars, research incubators and guest lectures. There are also opportunities to undertake industrial placements and academic secondments.

All new students joining the CDT will be assigned student mentor and a minimum of 2 academic supervisors at the point of starting their PhD.

Funding is available for 3.5-years (full time equivalent) for Home students.

See our website to apply and find more details about our unique training programme (aaps-cdt.ac.uk)