News

£4.2 billion was set aside for UK rail electrification schemes in 2012, but what results are apparent eight years later? Here, Roger Brereton of suspension link manufacturer Pailton Engineering, gives the current state of play and explains why locomotive parts suppliers have a key role in keeping electrification projects on track.

As we collectively endeavour to stay safe in public spaces, public transport is one area where innovation is required to limit the potential spread of coronavirus. Here, Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering, tells the story behind the development of the detachable steering wheel and how it might be used to improve safety conditions for bus drivers.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane change assist have the potential to significantly increase safety in commercial vehicles. But, are smart systems really the smart choice? Here, Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering system specialist, Pailton Engineering, explains why in this age of innovation, we shouldn’t ignore the importance of marrying quality steering system components with ADAS technology.

According to the Hydrogen Council, hydrogen powered fuel cell vehicles could constitute up to twenty percent of the world’s total vehicle fleet by 2050. This estimate rests on the assumption that hydrogen will play a wider role in our energy needs and will be particularly suited for powering vehicles with heavy payloads and longer ranges. Here, Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering, explains why both hydrogen and electric vehicles have a role to play in our future transportation needs.

A number of European cities have committed to securing only zero-emission buses by 2025. However, to achieve this objective, manufacturers must make bold design choices, radically changing bus componentry, systems, and bodywork. Here Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering system manufacturer Pailton Engineering, weighs in on the debate for greater electric bus design standardisation.

The KPMG Autonomous Vehicle Readiness Index has provided a welcome stimulus to debate the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. However, the index arguably understates the importance of testing. Here, Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering systems specialist Pailton Engineering, discusses the importance of testing in allowing manufacturers to bring AVs to the market.

Coventry-based steering systems specialist, Pailton Engineering has invested in a HAAS VF-2SS machining centre to boost production and design capabilities. This latest purchase is part of the business’s long-term modernisation strategy, to improve manufacturing flexibility for its made-to-order steering parts.

It is estimated that by 2050, 74 percent of Europe’s vehicle stock will be battery powered. What role will the standardisation of these batteries play in this story? Roger Brereton, heads of sales at steering system manufacturer Pailton Engineering, assesses the arguments for and against greater standardisation.

According to the Department of Transport, a town with 200 electric buses could reduce its CO2 emissions by around 7,400 tonnes a year. That would be equal to taking 3,600 diesel cars off the road. The environmental incentives are obvious, so why not full charge ahead? Here, Roger Brereton, head of sales at steering system specialist Pailton Engineering, explains some of the technological barriers to the widespread adoption of electric buses.