2011-06-09

By Deborah Ritchie

Fourteen British companies are to receive government support to carry out feasibility studies into the development of disruptive low carbon vehicle technology that will challenge current thinking.

The £1 million funding, from the government-backed Technology Strategy Board (www.innovateuk.org), will support fifteen vehicle-centric studies that challenge current conventions, explore new boundaries or adapt novel technologies to an entirely different field.

Andrew Everett, head of transport at the Technology Strategy Board, said: “As a part of the low carbon vehicle Integrated Delivery Programme, we are exploring new technologies and testing innovative thinking. Through these studies, we aim to draw out innovative technologies being developed within the UK that have the potential to redefine the current automotive industry view.“

The feasibility studies will be led by Aeristech Ltd, Axon Automotive, Delta Motorsport Ltd, Equipmake Ltd, Fusion Innovations Ltd, Gordon Murray Design Ltd, HILTech Developments Ltd, Libertine FPE Ltd, Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK Ltd, Ricardo UK Ltd (2 studies), SAIC Motor UK, Sunamp Ltd, TRW Conekt and WDL Ltd.

Including contributions from the participating companies, the total cost of the studies is over £1.6m and the average level of government support for each study is £71,000. The studies will be completed within twelve months and the Technology Strategy Board intends to run a further competition in 2012, aligned to this one, which will create an opportunity for follow-on funding

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