University of Warwick to host central Hub with regional Spokes to be announced.
The Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) has selected the University of Warwick as the site for its Hub location, supporting the ten year, £1 billion industry and government commitment to the development of low carbon propulsion systems.
The central Hub together with a national Spoke structure will provide the UK automotive industry with resources and facilities to develop advanced propulsion systems and supply chains. In doing so the aim of the APC, in partnership with industry, is to secure and grow over 30,000 UK jobs currently engaged in the research, development and production of vehicle powertrains as the industry transitions to a low carbon future for all modes of transportation.
An open and rigorous process was used to select the Hub location overseen by an independent, industry-led assessment panel. The final decision was based on the requirement to have a suitable facility for rapid start-up with:
Ease of access with good communication networks.
- Access to capable skills.
- Independence and flexibility.
- Scope for physical expansion as the APC gains momentum.
- Provision for world class showcasing of UK capability in advanced technologies.
APC Chief Executive Tony Pixton 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 re-enforced 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 ten 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.
The Hub facility is due to open in the Autumn and we will make further announcements about Spoke locations later this year."
The Advanced Propulsion Centre was created from the collaboration between industry and government through the Automotive Council. The APC is a central pillar of the Industrial Strategy published by the Council in 2013. The Automotive Council is co-chaired by the motor industry and government.
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."
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.
The government’s industrial strategy is backing the auto 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."
The University of Warwick welcomed the news that the Advanced Propulsion Centre Hub will be located on campus. Vice Chancellor Nigel Thrift said:
"We are delighted to be selected to host the APC hub. The University of Warwick’s own commitment to a multidisciplinary research programme focused on global challenges means that we will provide not just a home but significant opportunities that will help the APC create a range of effective research partnerships."
Further announcements about Spoke locations, funding competitions and the development of the APC team will be made in the coming months.
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