Skip advert
Advertisement

‘Could it be that your petrol-powered BMW is eventually bettered by a Bosch EV?’

Dyson instead of Dacia? Apple rather than Audi? Mike Rutherford looks at the rise of non-car firms in the automotive industry

Long, loyal, lasting relationships between motor manufacturers and car buyers are fast disappearing. And loyalty levels will likely reduce further when comparatively simple (and simple to build) 100 per cent electric cars become the norm.

We’ve seen that all-electric tech gives birth to new marques such as Tesla and Polestar. But countless others – in particular firms currently on the fringe rather than at the centre of car-making – are either thinking about or committed to becoming full-blown manufacturers of fully electric cars.

Advertisement - Article continues below

• Best electric cars on sale right now

So could it be that your petrol or diesel-powered BMW is eventually bettered by a more desirable and affordable Bosch-made and branded EV? Might you soon be driving a Dyson instead of a Dacia and, come to that, a Hoover rather than a Honda?

Who’s up for a stylish Samsung over a silly Smart car (me!), an Apple not an Audi (not me), an Intel instead of an Infiniti (really not sure)? Cutting-edge companies such as Delphi, Continental, Autoneum, Denso and Visteon have their products in, on or underneath most vehicles built today. So might some or all of these huge and highly respected firms take the next logical step by transforming themselves from automotive component makers to electric car builders?

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Dyson to launch new electric car

The same needs to be asked of companies who are – or were – big and successful in the design and manufacture of electrical or related goods. Sony, General Electric (GE), Philips, Hitachi, Kodak, Sanyo and Marconi are a few that spring to mind. But there are dozens of other candidates, from BAE and Bush, to Amstrad/Sugar and Virgin/Branson.

Most of the above must at least be looking into the prospect of getting in on the EV-making act. And that also applies to battery firms such as Duracell, Panasonic and Exide. All-electric cars from Lego and Meccano may sound like a joke, yet are anything but as older kids could design and construct them in school and college workshops – prior to formal driver familiarisation sessions as their last lessons of the day. 

Never mind that Dyson should perhaps concentrate not on all-electric  cars but on road sweeping vehicles that will effectively be vacuum cleaners for the streets. And don’t forget that Gtech is already selling reasonably priced electric two-wheelers – and therefore may be closer than most to bringing affordable four-wheeled EVs to market.

Do you agree with Mike? Would you rather have an Apple than an Audi? Let us know below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025