MONTREAL, May 29, 2012 /CNW/ - Protecting vehicle passengers in side
crashes with trucks, helping Canadian seniors drive safely and
advancing electric vehicle technologies are just a few of the projects
that will benefit from a $22 million investment by Canada's automotive
research program, the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence. The
funding will support 40 automotive R&D projects at Canadian
universities in partnership with more than 100 public and private
sector companies.
The funding was announced at the AUTO21 conference in Montreal, Quebec.
The $22 million will support the projects for two years and includes
$10 million from the Government of Canada through the federal Networks
of Centres of Excellence program. The remaining $12 million consists of
contributions from Canada's automotive sector, including numerous
automakers, parts manufacturers and material suppliers.
"Our government's first priority is the economy—creating jobs, growth
and long-term prosperity," said the Honourable Gary Goodyear, minister
of state for science and technology in a message to the delegates. "The
ideas, products and technologies generated by these AUTO21-funded
research projects will create jobs and businesses, help develop highly
skilled people, strengthen our economy and improve the long-term
competitiveness of our Canadian automotive industry."
Nearly 200 academic researchers will contribute to the 40 projects,
which will also provide training opportunities to about 400 graduate
students. Topics include advanced material research, biofuels and clean
diesel, children's vehicle safety in Aboriginal communities, and
improvements to manufacturing processes. A full list and summaries of
projects is available at www.auto21.ca.
"These projects focus on automotive knowledge and technology that are
close to commercialization for the industry partners," said Dr. Peter
Frise, AUTO21 CEO and scientific director. "AUTO21 is helping to ensure
Canadian companies remain competitive in the global automotive sector
while helping to develop technologies that will help keep Canadians
safer on the roads."
AUTO21 supports research projects in six key areas: health, safety and
injury prevention; societal issues; materials and manufacturing; design
processes; powertrains, fuels and emissions; and intelligent systems
and sensors. A recent independent economic impact study of AUTO21
projects estimates that Network research is generating more than $1.1
billion in economic and social benefits to Canada. AUTO21 is supported
by the Government of Canada through a Networks of Centres of Excellence
program, and its administrative centre is hosted by the University of
Windsor.
