Vince Cable opens hub for engineering research at Warwick

A hub for engineering research worth £1 billion was opened on campus last week by Vince Cable, secretary of state for Business, Innovation and Skills.

The hub, named the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), focuses on green automotive technology, and will spend £200 million this year developing new research with a view to selling the technology.

Initial funds have been allocated to six projects, allowing for collaborative research and development between 37 different companies.

University of Warwick vice chancellor Nigel Thrift said : “We are delighted to be selected to host the APC hub. We will provide not just a home but significant opportunities that will help the APC create a range of effective research partnerships.”

In choosing a site for the centre, an industry-led selection panel noted Warwick University’s “access to capable skills”, good communication networks and the potential scope for expansion on campus.

The first six projects commissioned will reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to 250,000 cars’ emissions per year and sustain 2,500 jobs, according to APC estimates based on average data over the next ten years.

The stated function of the APC is to “bridge the gap between those with bright ideas, and commercial production”, and it officially invites competitive bidding for funding every six months from associations of companies.

Current projects include the introduction of motorsport technology into the braking systems for buses and the fuel consumption of diggers. It is believed that 30,000 jobs will be created or retained by this scheme, which has been funded equally by the public and private sectors.

Whilst on campus, Dr Cable claimed: “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.

“We are providing the right environment to give businesses the confidence to invest and create high skilled jobs.”

Dr Cable is no stranger to Warwick University, having last visited in 2013 to open a £10m engineering research programme, and to tour WMG’s research groups.

The visit occurred as figures were released, showing an increasing market share for environmentally friendly cars: demand for electric and hybrid cars has risen by 56%, with 9,955 new registrations made over the last year. This represents a 2.3% current market share.