Ariel Motor, the founder of low-volume car maker, would like to explain why the rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is a great opportunity for small car makers as well. Being part of innovative projects is crucial for small companies to keep pace with an increasing pressure of competition.
We are interested in innovation since we aim to keep our products in front of other people. And in a broader sense, we want to help making the UK more competitive through setting new standards in terms of technological innovation, explained Simon Saunders, Arielâs founder and director. All the cars we are now manufacturing do have internal combustion engines. But, we are involved in several R&D projects, where we are looking at electrical powered vehicles. We are working also on a very high performance electric sports car with a turbine range extender, which is an all new technology.
The company has a sharp focus on innovative solutions because the changes in the industry bear the biggest opportunities for car manufacturers around the world. The technology is changing so quickly that the opportunity for us as a small company and for the UK as a whole is to be at the forefront of that industrial change, added Simon.
Saunders also thought that the biggest challenge companies have to face with the digital transformation is making wise decisions. It is like you are about to buy a laptop or a mobile phone and you know the best one is always coming out tomorrow. Being in the position to make a decision about a technological product that takes only several years to develop, you have got to draw a line in the sand at some point.
Ariel Motor was founded by Simon Saunders back in 1991 as Solocrest, but later changed its name to Ariel Motor in 1999. The car manufacturer is one of the UKâs smallest automotive companies with just 19 employees that produce approximately 110 cars per year.
