Zytek Automotive was founded in 1986 by a team of engineers who were passionate about creating innovative and sustainable solutions for the automotive industry.
The company's early work focused on developing high-performance engines for racing and motorsport applications.
One of the key players behind Zytek Automotive was Ian Fletcher, who served as the company's Managing Director from its inception until 2012.
Fletcher played a crucial role in shaping the company's vision and direction, and his leadership helped establish Zytek as a leading player in the industry.
Under Fletcher's leadership, Zytek Automotive expanded its product range to include hybrid and electric powertrains, which were designed to provide improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The company's expertise in hybrid and electric powertrains was in high demand, and Zytek Automotive went on to supply its technology to several major automotive manufacturers.
Ian Fletcher's legacy at Zytek Automotive continues to be felt today, with the company remaining committed to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
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Ownership History
In 1981, John Gibson founded the Zytech Group with two main divisions: Zytek Automotive, based at Fradley, Staffordshire, and Zytek Engineering, based at Repton, Derbyshire.
Zytek Automotive was procured by Motorola in 2000, who held 19% of the company.
In 2006, Continental AG, a German engineering company, purchased Motorola's automotive divisions and raised their stock-holding of Zytek Automotive to 50%.
Continental AG later purchased the whole of Zytek Automotive in 2014.
The company was renamed Gibson Technology in 2014, after John Gibson retained ownership of Zytek Engineering.
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Gordon Murray Collaboration
Gordon Murray collaboration was a significant partnership for Zytek, launched in 2011 with Gordon Murray Design. This collaboration led to the development of the Gordon Murray T.27, an all-electric three seater road car.
The T.27 was made possible with £4.5m of investment from the UK government backed Technology Strategy Board, part of a £9m research and development project.
The project allowed the consortium to develop a prototype, which was unveiled at the Royal Automobile Club in June 2011.
The T.27 road debut took place in November 2011 at the RAC Future Car Challenge.
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Morgan and Team's Work
Morgan and Zytek are teaming up to build a high-performance electric vehicle, the Electric Morgan +E.
The +E will have a 70kW electric motor, which is a significant upgrade from the standard 4.8 liter BMW V8 engine.
The motor will be mounted in the transmission tunnel, requiring connections for cooling water, high voltage electrics, and low voltage electrics.
Power will be supplied by a lithium-ion battery pack integrated into the car's aluminum chassis.
Morgan will retain the SuperSports' manual transmission, which will help the motor use energy more efficiently.
This design choice will increase the vehicle's range and allow for lower gearing for rapid acceleration and higher gearing for top speed.
The project has received funding from the CENEX-run Niche Vehicle Network CR&D Programme, which promotes the application of new technology for making low-carbon vehicles more marketable.
Work on the two +E's began in July and should be completed by January.
Morgan is also working on a fuel cell-powered prototype automobile, known as the Lifecar.
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Continental Acquisitions
Continental acquired full ownership of Zytek Automotive in February 2014.
The acquisition was a strategic move to meet the increasing need for engineering services in the automotive industry. Continental previously had a 50 percent shareholding in Zytek Automotive.
Zytek Automotive employs around 150 people at its headquarters in Fradley near Birmingham. The company has particularly well-developed expertise in all areas of automotive technology and vehicle engineering.
Zytek Automotive's customers include well-known vehicle manufacturers in Europe, the USA, and Japan. Continental plans to operate Zytek Automotive as a part of the Continental Engineering Services (CES) organisation in the United Kingdom.
Continental Engineering Services has been active worldwide since 2006, providing comprehensive engineering services. The company has locations and development teams in Europe, America, and Asia.
The acquisition allows Continental to offer a broader range of services to its customers. Continental's customers will now have access to Zytek Automotive's expertise in conventional, electrical, and hybrid drive systems.
Zytek Automotive's main focus has been on conventional, electrical, and hybrid drive systems for passenger cars and commercial vehicles.
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