Cenex - the UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon vehicle technologies – the Technology Strategy Board and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), today announced the formal opening of a joint call for collaborative R&D projects under the Niche Vehicle R&D Programme.
The call for bids for grant funded collaborative R&D opens on June 1 and closes on July 31, 2012. Applications are invited from UK niche vehicle manufacturers and suppliers who have two or more collaborative partners and wish to conduct a project (maximum six months duration) to develop a new product or process around the theme of carbon reduction and lightweight vehicle technologies.
Costs for R&D often prohibit small manufacturers from improving their products and processes. The Niche Vehicle R&D Programme is designed to overcome these obstacles to development and assist manufacturers in investing in R&D; with the aim of ensuring their continuing success in a demanding market place.
The programme is built around the established Niche Vehicle Network - an informal network of niche vehicle manufacturers, their supply chain and specialist technology suppliers.
Rob Anderson, programme manager, Niche Vehicle Network, at Cenex, said: “Cenex has been supporting niche automotive companies to bring innovative new products to the market for over five years.
“Our programme complements the funding available from OLEV and the Technology Strategy Board Low Carbon Vehicles Innovation Platform and enables us to continue to support companies across the UK.”
An information day to discuss the programme and how to apply for grant funding will be held on the May 30, at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. Further details of this event and how to apply for funding can be found on the Niche Vehicle website www.nichevehiclenetwork.co.uk.
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