How uptake of electric cars could impact demand for machine tools

The boss of machine tool supplier Kingsbury, Richard Kingsbury, has responded to the global uptake of electric cars and its implications for machining.

In the latest LinkedIn video, the managing director explained how global machine tool demand may decline in the long term by the electrification of automotive manufacturers.

Mr Kingsbury said: “To grow in a shrinking market a company must take market share from someone else.

“The electrification of the automotive powertrain has been stirring the machine tool world for some years now. There are over 200 moving parts in the internal combustion engine and but a handful in the electric motor.

“The implications for global machine tool demand are clear. The pandemic has exaggerated this decline in demand and ultimately may prove to be a catalyst for the accelerated take up of electric vehicles.

“To counter this a machine tool company must work hard to improve market relevance through product refinement. Please watch this compelling story of the rail giant Deutsche Bahn and their adoption of WAAM. Could Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing change the way you think about part production?"