R & D

The UK automotive industry leads Europe as the most diverse and productive vehicle manufacturing location. As a global centre of excellence in automotive research and development, this sector was valued at £1.5 billion in 2007.

With more than 40 companies manufacture vehicles in the UK, the industry is supported by a dynamic supply chain including many of the world’s major component manufacturers, technology providers, design and engineering consultancies; and it benefits from a world-renowned knowledge base.

The universities in the Heart of England are a key group conducting research into the area of Automotive R&D which will take this area forward in the future. Key international strengths and collaborations with the industry exist within advanced materials technology, battery chemistry, hydrogen fuel cells & alternative fuels, sustainable materials, light-weighting and automotive design.

• The Institute for Energy Policy and Research at University of Birmingham has significant capabilities in future power systems, hydrogen materials and supply chain research applied to clean hydrogen. The university is also home to the Birmingham Automotive Safety Centre and has further expertise in telematics.

• Coventry University has the largest School of Engineering in the UK and offers a number of automotive – specific courses. It is the only university in the world with a full-scale automotive design facility giving it a unique vehicle styling and design capability.

• University of Warwick is home to internationally renowned WMG (formerly known as Warwick Manufacturing Group) and the International Automotive Research Centre. Significant research collaborations have taken place including the £70m Premier Automotive Research & Development (PARD) programme with Jaguar Land Rover and their supply chain covering 20 innovative projects from materials and craftsmanship to skills and hybrid technologies.

The region has identified the automotive sector as a priority for development. Within R&D there are significant initiatives:

• innovITS-ADVANCE is a new UK centre for the development of intelligent transport systems which is underway. innovITS-ADVANCE brings together innovITS, MIRA, the automotive design and development organisation, and the UK’s Transport Research Laboratory, to provide a safe, highly controlled development and testing ground for new ITS technologies.

• CABLED – The Coventry & Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators consortium comprises 13 companies with project leader ARUP. The project, will see 110 CABLED vehicles tested in and around Birmingham and Coventry. Vehicles involved include: four electric models – Mitsubishi i MiEV, Mercedes Benz Smart EV, LTI’s TX4E London taxi and the Tata Indica Vista EV, as well as the hydrogen-powered Microcab and Land Rover’s e-hybrid vehicle.

• Advantage Niche Vehicle Programme, run by CENEX, provides support and grant funding to groups of companies active in the niche vehicle sector. It promotes the development and application of new technology to take advantage of the increasing market opportunities for lower carbon vehicles.

• Centre of Excellence in Premium Vehicle Lightweight Technologies, based at the University of Warwick, is part of an £80 million wider programme to develop new drive trains and lightweight structures to reduce weight of vehicles whilst continuing to offer premium customer choice.

Additional funding and support can be gained through the following programmes:

• Grant for Business Investment (GBI) are available to businesses in Assisted Areas for capital investment and job creation or safeguarding.

• Grants for Research & Development are available to businesses conducting research that moves an innovative concept closer to commercialisation.

• National R&D Programmes provide guidance on programmes supporting R&D activity and collaboration, including Tax Credits of up to 175% and funding competitions organised by the UK’s Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

The Heart of England Inward Investment team offers the following range of free and confidential services to international and UK based companies that are considering investing, expanding or pursuing other business opportunities within the region;

• Land and property searches and advice

• Tailored investment proposals addressing specific information requirements

• Regional visit programmes

• Introductions to providers of business and professional services

• Introductions to universities and research and technology providers

• Information on potential sources of financial assistance and other forms of support

Find out how well connected the Heart of England is.

Find out why the Heart of England is a great place to move your company.

Find out what else the Heart of England has to offer.

Find out more about R & D and how easy it is to move your business here - call us on +44 (0)121 380 3500 or email.

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