Technology & World Change (MGMT002) Term 1 Academic Year 2004-2005

1. Technology & World Change (MGMT002)Term 1 Academic Year 2004-2005 Prepared by Fu Shixin Guang Yunxing, Chris Nur Faizah Zainodin Yong Zhimin, Joan Wong Kwok Pin Edmund

2. What This Technology Is About! • Electrochromism - a reversible and visible change in the color of the material as a result of electrochemical oxidation/reduction. • Basis of this technology- electrochromic polymers (ECP) • Approaches: • inorganic thin film (which we will use) • organic polymer • organic solution

3. Diagram of Electro Chromic System

4. Technology’s Current Applications • Rearview mirrors of cars • Motorcyclists’ visors • Latest windows

5. The “CarMeleon”

6. Application: ECP for Car bodies • Properties of ECP • Rapid colour change • Retention of color via electrochromic memory • Suitable for any surfaces • Efficient & convenient way to change the colour of car bodies • Aesthetic needs – Owners can change a colour to suit his tastes/preferences • Safety needs – Colour change generates greater visibility and attention

7. Linking Up the System • Apply ECP to car body • Connect ECP to electrical source (car battery) • Control System (Brain) that connects the battery to ECP • To colour/reverse change: Use low dc voltage of 0 to +/- 5 V • Handheld Internet Device (e.g. mobile phone, PDA) to be connected to control system via Bluetooth

8. Diagram Internet Device Bluetooth E C P Control System ------------------------------------------------------------- Internal --------------------------------------------------------- Beneath the hood Battery External body of car

9. The Old Way of Changing Colours Previously • Apply for colour change via LTA website • Wait 3 – 5 working days for processing of application • Proceed to change colour at the garage

10. The New CarMeleon System Steps: • Apply via LTA website • 24 hrs approval system • 24 hrs later, use internet device to log on to LTA website to receive approval • Click on “Proceed to Change Colour” • Information is transferred from device to control system via bluetooth • System recognises amount of electricity needed for chosen colour • Electricity released to ECP • Colour changing is complete!

11. Advantage of using the New System • Reduces administrative work and manpower • Shortens waiting and approval process • Internet device acts as a User Interface • Convenient and efficient - The control system automatically recognizes the approval and amount of voltage needed for colour change

12. Regulation • No changing of colours when traveling on the road - Diverts attention of driver - Distraction to others • Driver will be severely penalized • Changing of colour allowed only when car is PARKED.

13. Safety Purpose • Distress colour: Fluorescent Pink • Used only for broken down vehicles - To reduce the problem of traffic jams • Change of colour will be triggered by a special button specific for this purpose • Not a colour for everyday use/ traveling on roads • Serves as a warning signal for others

14. Bad Weather, Low Visibility • Level of transparency or opaqueness can be controlled by specifying the amount of current applied • Combining ECPs and light sensor (automatic change of shade) • Insufficient Light (e.g. heavy rain, fog) - Illumination: Shade brightens • Too much light (e.g. glare) - Shade darkens

15. Limitations of ECP • Required DC voltage: 0 to +/- 5V.  ECP easily destroyed if too much voltage applied • Colour-bleach cycle lifetime • Repeated chemical reactions eventually lead to degradation of performance • Similar to charging a battery • Limited variety of colours • Speed of change across large surfaces

16. Applications N Needs • Fulfills a safety need- changing colors of car to a PINK color to identify break-down vehicles; low visibility problem • Fulfills the aesthetic pleasure of people

17. Research on effectiveness of illumination • Fog caused 44, 000 accidents in 2001 • Experiment: • During a fog, the shade of green on the right would be more visible

18. Certain car safety devices however, significantly dissimilar due to different approach to car safety Car-spraying services Car spray and paints Low Visibility Warning System Wireless technology Handheld wireless applications e.g. PDA Car manufacturers Complements Substitutes

19. Collaboration • Collaboration with Gentex Corporation • Leading supplier of electrochromic devices • Leverage on the technological know-how of company • Less staff needed

20. Staffing

21. Costs

22. Cost analysis • Cost savings – cost is negated within 6 colour changes • Time saved and convenience • Price suggested is launch price and is expected to fall with widespread usage

23. Market Entry • First mover • Strategy for manufacturers to adopt will be that of early entry • Manufacturers could thus seek to tie in with government regulatory bodies so as to obtain patent rights • Yield monopoly rents • Ease of use lies directly under car users.

24. 3-Year Timeline Phrase 1 Strategy Development & Idea Generation Phrase 3 Further Development & Market Testing Nov 04 May 05 Nov 05 May 06 Nov 06 May 07 Nov 07 Phase 4: Launch the product extensively Phrase2 Screening, Evaluation and Business Analysis

25. Conclusion • If Carmeleon is widely adopted, accident rate will be lowered and the efficiency of changing the colors of cars will be increased. • Greatly revolutionize the automotive industry, creating great potential for car manufacturers and benefits for the general public.

26. End of Presentation Thank you for your attention!