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WMG and Jaguar Land Rover take key step to building National Automotive Innovation Campus

Dr Epple, JLR, Professor Stuart Croft, University of Warwick,  Dr Ralf Speth, JLR, Mr Ken Sloan, University of Warwick, Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, WMG and Mrs Rosie Drinkwater, University of WarwickThe University of Warwick, WMG and Jaguar Land Rover have agreed, and signed, the Heads of Terms for the construction of the National Automotive Innovation Campus.

The National Automotive Innovation Campus (NAIC) is a unique Research and Development facility for the UK automotive industry. An iconic £100m building will provide an environment that will foster collaboration, cohesion and cross-fertilisation of knowledge. NAIC will provide a national focus for research capability by combining the expertise nationally and internationally from industry, universities, supply chain companies and SMEs. Over 900 staff from academic and industry teams from WMG, Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors European Technology Centre and other partners will work collaboratively on research projects to deliver world-class breakthrough products, processes and services.

The agreement will enable the delivery of this 30,000m2 unique and state-of-the-art facility, which will include engineering, labs and powertrain facilities, virtual reality areas, design studio, demonstration and education facilities.

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover, CEO, said:

I am delighted that we have finalised the NAIC agreement and continuing our collaborative partnership with WMG and the University of Warwick. NAIC offers the opportunity for Jaguar Land Rover to develop its research and advanced engineering operations in one centre with academic and industry experts working together to develop and innovate, internationally competitive products of the future. “

Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, WMG Chairman said:

The automotive industry in the UK has seen a recent resurgence, but for the UK to remain internationally competitive we must create urgently a critical mass in research excellence. Our vision is to create the National Automotive Innovation Campus where we link people, research and world-leading infrastructure to create and develop novel technologies. NAIC will be an ‘engine’ for economic growth, with wide economic benefit, and sustained growth from the creation of world-leading technologies.”

The University of Warwick’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Nigel Thrift said:

This is a considerable investment that benefit not just our University, nor just our city and region, but as its name says will be of national importance in providing world leading facilities to mesh with engineering ingenuity of our researchers and manufacturers.”

Dr Epple, Jaguar Land Rover, Director of Research and Technology commented:

Investing in collaboration, innovation, research and education is vital if we want to be on a par with our international competitors. Our future sales success, the success of our global business – and the UK economy – lies in the engineering and innovation that will take place in NAIC.”

Artist's impression of NAIC:

National Automotive Innovation Campus 

For further information please contact:

Peter Dunn, Head of Communications,
University of Warwick,
UK Tel: 024 76 523708 Mobile 07767 655860
email: p.j.dunn@warwick.ac.uk

or

Lisa Barwick, WMG, University of Warwick
Tel: 024 76 524721 or 07824 540845
L.Barwick@warwick.ac.uk

PJD 28th October 2013

Mon 28 Oct 2013, 09:58 | Tags: NAIC Materials and Manufacturing Partnerships Research