High Speed Railway Platform

Sectors > Automotive, railway and transportation

Automotive, railway and transportation

 

With significant investment in R&D (€4.4 billion per year), transportation is a real driver for French industry. 

The sector is in the midst of a revolution, with the emergence of disruptive technologies such as autonomous cars and vacuum trains. 

 

The automotive industry 

 

The industry has been facing a real structural change since the economic shock of the Covid crisis and its aftermath (shortage of semiconductors, sharp rise in raw material and energy costs): 

 

As energy transition accelerates, France and the European Union have set targets of carbon neutrality by 2050 (Net Zero Initiative, Ademe) and 55% greenhouse gas reduction by 2030 (Fit for 55, EC). 

 

Decarbonising transport is proving challenging. The transport sector, for example, was the largest contributor to France’s greenhouse gas emissions at the beginning of the 2000s and will account for 30% of national emissions by 2021. 

 

In this context, the automotive industry is accelerating its transformation towards the decarbonisation of its activities, all in the context of the Factory 4.0 model, which is both an incentive and a necessary factor in this evolution. 

 

Achieving this objective will require major investments, but all those involved in the industry must continue to compete to create a vehicle that is not only affordable, but also green, connected, intelligent and automated. 

 

The French government is therefore launching aid and investment plans to promote research and development efforts and to modernise industrial plants, the inputs needed to ensure that these plants operate efficiently, and suppliers to promote a short supply chain of high quality. 

The Railways

 

The French railway system is a success story. With high-speed trains, regional lines and dense, high-capacity urban networks, France has a vast network. With 102 billion passenger-kilometres, rail remains by far the leading mode of public transport. 

  

Competition is now fierce at international level. A wave of mergers to create giants is sweeping the sector. However, smaller companies exist with specific expertise in equipment, materials, mechanical, signalling, infrastructure, maintenance, regulation, sensors, actuators and process. 

  

The future of the rail industry is focused on digital technology, sustainable development and the reduction of costs. It is moving towards flexible, more integrated solutions, combining the management of traffic, rolling stock, infrastructure and services. 

Multiple areas of innovation 

Mechanics and materials

 

Mass reduction in 4 main areas: weight reduction, new materials, new assembly processes and additive manufacturing. 

 

    Sustainable development

     

    Improving production: developing alternative fuels and energy sources, improving engine and propulsion system efficiency and optimising power electronics. 

    New technologies

     

    Modelling is strategic for aerodynamics and improved tribology. Innovation is also involved in acoustics, electrification, robotics, digital technology and virtual reality. 

    Embedded systems

     

    The connected and autonomous vehicle is revolutionising traditional markets and requiring the development of connected and secure on-board systems. 

    Our sector experts 

     

    ABGi’s experts will provide you with solutions that are firmly rooted in their environment, combining in-depth knowledge of the business sector, a forward-looking vision of the market and an exhaustive analysis of all the opportunities available to you.

    Christophe AUBE, Scientific expert

    Christophe Aube, expert scientifique ABGi

     

    Doctor in Chemistry and holder of a University Diploma in Invention Patents – CEIPI. He assists his clients in the field of tax-based research funding and in identifying industrial property opportunities (patentability searches). 

    Pierre MARRION, Scientific expert

    Pierre Marrion, Expert scientifique ABGi

     

    He has a degree in general mechanical engineering. He has 5 yearsexperience in research, before joining the consultancy profession. He works with clients in the field of tax-financed research and in the management of their innovations. 

    “CORAM 2024” call for projects 

    New CORAM 2024 Call for Projects to support research and development projects in the field of road mobility. 

    This call specifically targets companies in the automotive industry and all players in the road mobility ecosystem. The aim of CORAM 2024 is to promote innovative and sustainable projects that will accelerate the time-to-market for revolutionary technologies, services and/or solutions. 

    MOVER : Brazil’s new green mobility programme 

    At the start of 2024, the Brazilian government launched an ambitious national programme focused on green mobility and innovation in the automotive sector.

    Known as “MOVER”, the programme introduces new sustainability requirements and encourages industry players to invest in more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies. 

     

    To find out how we can help you unlock the innovative potential of your business, contact us.