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MOVE builds on RMI’s history of groundbreaking research, consulting and enterprise startups in advanced vehicles to accelerate the automotive sector’s transition to sustainable mobility.

In the early 1990s, RMI with its Nissan-award winning Hypercar® concept (pictured) foretold the hybrid-electric vehicle revolution, with comprehensive research in modeling, technology assessment, and automotive system design.

RMI’s research into advanced materials and integrated design is also positioning the industry for its next revolution -- lightweighting.

Real-World Action

RMI has developed two enterprises (both co-founded by MOVE VP Michael Brylawski) from its automotive insights:

• Lightweight materials developer Fiberforge
• Plug-in hybrid developer Bright Automotive

Additionally, MOVE’s work with major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and Tier-1s has led to large-scale internal development programs and technology innovations, and MOVE continues to stay at the forefront of the green automotive industry.

Recent clients and partners in automotive have included Johnson Controls, Alcoa, Ford Motor Company, Lubrizol, and Google’s RechargeIT initiative.

Next Generation Vehicles

To create the next generation of efficient, attractive, and profitable vehicles, MOVE is working on four core areas across its capabilities and partner network:

• Lightweighting and platform physics. Cars and light trucks have been steadily gaining weight for two decades. MOVE's research and consulting is helping organizations identify and execute practical opportunities to lightweight and optimize their platforms through new designs, materials, technologies and engineering approaches. In addition, MOVE conducts research and advises policy on the larger implications of lightweighting, including regulation, life-cycle impacts and safety.
• Integration. Working with clients, MOVE finds innovative methods to integrate parts systems to realize cascading benefits: fewer parts, less mass, less cost and less waste.
• Electrification. Building on two decades of hybrid vehicle research, MOVE engages clients with technology assessment, system design and architectures as well as business strategy to accelerate the shift from mechanical to electrical drive.
• New Business Models. New design, technology, manufacturing and retail models are not just making vehicles more sustainable -- they are opening a new space of business opportunities for big and small companies alike. MOVE builds on its experience in successful venture-funded automotive business start-ups and strategic consulting to major OEMs to help companies realize the monetization opportunities in green vehicles.

For further information regarding consulting and research opportunities, please Contact Us.