Titan: A Pioneer in Advanced Automotive Steering Systems
Titan, a UK-based manufacturer, has been producing some of the world’s most advanced automotive steering systems for over 60 years. The company started in the 1960s making single-seat race cars and has since evolved into creating bespoke steering systems of all kinds, including hydraulic, electric/electronic systems, and versatile, microprocessor-controlled, by-wire mechanisms for cars and commercial vehicles. Titan’s latest innovation is the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system, which has been developed for leading Formula 1 teams and is also suitable for driverless cars.
The New Team at Titan
In 2015, a new team took over the management of Titan and has since transformed the company. The team includes CEO George Lendrum, COO Michael Sheridan, sales director Stuart Rossin, and technical chief Paul Wilkinson. Lendrum had previously worked with Pi Research, Cosworth, and RML before rejoining Titan as managing director. He was tasked with stabilizing the business and building a team that could innovate and drive the company into new areas.
Titan’s Focus on EPAS
Titan’s expertise in hydraulic steering led them to focus on EPAS as the future of automotive steering. EPAS is an electric power-assisted steering system that eliminates the need for hydraulic power packs in future electric vehicles. Titan decided to concentrate on smaller clients who value performance and innovative commercial vehicle applications that are also moving towards innovative electric powertrains. The company’s message to clients was that they would love a run of 5000, but 50 would be okay as well.
Titan’s Impressive Financial Trajectory
Titan’s financial trajectory looks impressive, with 85 people on the payroll today compared to 30 when Lendrum started assembling his new team. Turnover has climbed from £2.5 million to around £11m. In contrast to many vehicle tech companies facing the EV future, Titan can look forward with considerable confidence. Electrically propelled or not, all cars will need steering, and Titan is a long way down the road to perfecting the EPAS most will need, even for the autonomous cars of the future.
Titan’s Contribution to Public Health
During the pandemic in 2020, Titan used its quick reactions to start making ventilators, running two 60-hour shifts a week, from Monday to Saturday, and working through Easter. It was a major contribution to public health, says Lendrum, but it also helped save the company.
Titan’s Development of EPAS
Though Titan’s development of EPAS has reached an impressive level, there is still more to do. Titan engineers are developing what they believe will be better-than-ever algorithms to enhance steering feel, aiming to produce a range of near-ideal driving modes between “track day” and “drive comfortably home.” A recently bought MG TF mule sits in a parking bay of the R&D department, about to play its part in new research into steering feel.
Titan’s History
Titan started life as a manufacturer of 1.0-litre Formula 3 cars, launched by engineer-racer Charles Lucas. The first Titan racing car, the Mark 3, made its racing debut at Silverstone in 1967, winning with Lucas at the wheel. Lucas sold the company in 1971, and built the last Titan racing car in 1978. The firm then turned its attention to engine and race car component manufacture, activities that the company continues today.
Conclusion
Titan has come a long way since its inception in the 1960s as a manufacturer of single-seat race cars. Today, the company produces some of the world’s most advanced automotive steering systems, including the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system for leading Formula 1 teams and driverless cars. Titan’s focus on EPAS has put them in a good position to face the future of automotive steering, and their impressive financial trajectory is a testament to their success. With their innovative team and commitment to supporting new companies, Titan is poised to continue leading the way in advanced automotive steering systems.