Friday, December 11, 2009

Lord Mandelson announces £19m for innovative R&D into ultra low carbon vehicles

UK: The Business Secretary Lord Mandelson signalled a new boost today for innovative low and ultra low carbon vehicles technology, announcing a £19m competition which will support industry-led collaborative research, development and demonstration projects, with a focus on developing the UK’s supply network.

The competition will be delivered by the government-backed Technology Strategy Board in partnership with the cross-governmental Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).
Speaking today at the first meeting of the Automotive Council, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said:

“This investment is another important step for the UK towards a low carbon economy. The Government is committed to targeting areas where there is potential to build on existing capabilities and deliver global competitive advantage and economic benefit for the UK.

“This latest competition will reinforce the Automotive Council’s focus on both supply chain and technology. Both these areas will be vital if the mass production of low carbon vehicles in the UK is to become a reality.”

The competition is part of the Technology Strategy Board-led Low Carbon Vehicles Integrated Delivery Programme and will focus on strengthening UK capability and developing the UK's supply networks for components and sub-systems in key technology areas for low and ultra low carbon vehicles.

Iain Gray, Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board said: “This is the fourth competition run by the Technology Strategy Board under its Low Carbon Vehicles Integrated Delivery Programme, which is aimed at integrating the innovation chain from the science base, through collaborative research and development to fleet level demonstration.

The Technology Strategy Board’s challenge-led innovation approach sees the societal, economic and environmental challenges of the future not as threats, but rather as opportunities for innovative solutions that enhance quality of life and increase wealth.”

The full scope of this competition will be announced by the Technology Strategy Board over the next six weeks, with an expected formal competition launch in February 2010.

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