The landscape of electric and autonomous vehicles has changed exponentially over the past ten years and Jon Clark has been at the heart of TMETC's work to constantly develop these technologies.

Joining the business in 2008 as a principal engineer, Jon was soon promoted to a lead engineer and then chief engineer, with his roles focusing on electrical systems integration across the award-winning Tata Motors vehicle range.

Now appointed as head of electrical and electronics at TMETC, Jon oversees a team of engineers focused on integration, powertrain and body electronics, as well as harness design, function safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The team also has a large emphasis on autonomous vehicles, and specifically the three-year UK Autodrive project, which is trialling the use of connected and autonomous vehicles as part of a government-backed collaborative project to support the introduction of self-driving vehicles in the UK.

After ten years with the business, Jon applauds the breadth of projects he has been involved with at TMETC: "The business is constantly innovating and I have been lucky enough to work on many brilliant and challenging projects over my time here.

"One of my highlights has been working on the Tata Vista EV, specifically the CABLED project in 2009. During this we handed 25 vehicles over to selected members of the public as part of the final car evaluation. This gave us a crucial insight into the vehicle's development, demonstrating the practicality of low emission vehicles and understanding vehicle recharging and driving patterns.

"Another challenging project that stands out for me was working on the Tata Ace EV - the delivery of a 0.75 tonne light commercial electric vehicle for the UK market. This came with some engineering challenges, as we had to adapt the original Tata Ace diesel light truck by making it electric and suitable for a different market. My electrical engineering team had to specify and source the drivetrain components, all while developing engineering FMEAs that could handle the demands of an electric vehicle.

"We're always working alongside our colleagues in India on upcoming engineering projects, too. My role involves frequent travel and regular video calls to Tata Motors' headquarters in Pune and they have become like an extended family to me."

Having held four different roles in ten years, Jon has hailed the varied work and progression available at TMETC, continuing: "I've been involved with both the powertrain and electrical parts of the company and there have been so many opportunities for me to expand my knowledge, which I find really appealing."

Jon also represents Tata Motors on The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) technical committee panel regarding connected and autonomous vehicles – and he is looking forward to what the future holds for TMETC.

"SMMT sees motoring manufacturers from across the country join together to discuss vehicle standardisation and testing practices, helping to define British and international safety standards. The committee frequently meets in Westminster to talk about these issues and I'm honoured to represent Tata Motors and TMETC on the panel.

"Looking ahead, I'm thrilled that we are moving in to a new, purpose-built building in The National Automotive Innovation Centre at the University of Warwick. The new building is extensive and I have been fortunate enough to help influence the design of the electrical facilities."