The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has today revealed that its Hub will be located at the University of Warwick.
Representing a £1 billion commitment by government and industry as a key part of the Automotive Council’s industrial strategy, the APC will be a hotbed of low carbon automotive R&D.
With the Warwick Hub as the focal point, several Spokes located across the country will complete the picture – each running its own projects. The Hub will open this autumn, with further announcements about Spoke locations expected later in 2014.
Tony Pixton, APC Chief Executive, said, “The Advanced Propulsion Centre will support the UK automotive industry to become a global leader in the research, development and production of advanced propulsion systems. Through our Hub and Spoke network we will enable collaboration between SMEs, suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to create new powertrain solutions that build UK capability.
“The competition to identify the location for the APC Hub has reinforced the fact that the UK is strategically placed to be a worldwide centre for low carbon propulsion systems, R&D and production. The University of Warwick will become the location of the Hub for the APC, at the centre of a Propulsion Nation, offering world class facilities and expertise as part of the 10-year programme of activity.
“The APC has already committed more than £130 million of new investment into the UK economy since it opened for business earlier this year. By the end of the year an additional round of project funding will allocate up to a further £75 million as part of the rapid action being undertaken by the APC team.”
Following a rigorous selection process, the University of Warwick was chosen to house the Hub, based on a range of capabilities including central location, flexibility and scope for expansion.
Business Secretary Vince Cable, Co-chair of the Automotive Council, said, “The Advanced Propulsion Centre is spearheading the UK’s drive to develop new greener engines. The £1 billion investment we are making alongside industry will safeguard more than 30,000 jobs. “The news that the University of Warwick will host the headquarters for the centre means we can accelerate our research into the next generation of automotive technology. “Government’s industrial strategy is backing the automotive sector as it goes from strength to strength. We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs.”
Professor Richard Parry-Jones, CBE, Co-chair of the Automotive Council, said, “I am pleased to note that the Advanced Propulsion System has selected its Hub location which, along with the regional Spokes, will be the key enablers for the rapid development of vehicle propulsion technology in the UK.
“Today’s announcement represents another important step in the implementation of the Automotive Council’s industrial strategy to position Britain as an undisputed leader in developing lower carbon technologies for future vehicles.”
