GENERAL Motors will expand new developments in vehicle safety and emissions that will feature in its European fleet cars of the future from a new site in Saab’s home base of Trollhättan in Sweden.

The carmaker is opening a E21 million (£14 million) Science Office to expand its technical work in safety, emissions and advanced manufacturing.

Its new Science Office will develop centres of expertise in Sweden and coordinate all local research and development activities and projects, the company said.

The arrangement between the Swedish Government and GM runs until at least 2008 alongside existing joint research and development programmes.

Alan Taub, executive director of science at GM research and development laboratories in the USA, said: ‘GM’s extensive network of collaborators in Sweden including universities such as the Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers University, as well as national laboratories and suppliers, is a result of Saab’s outstanding work in building relationships. The Swedish Government is giving us an excellent opportunity to continue to expand our global network of partners.’

Earlier this year GM Europe announced it was to establish a global Saab brand centre in Sweden, housing engineers and a strategic design team for marque-specific projects.