MORE than £2.5 million has been awarded to Jaguar Land Rover for its project to develop zero emission vehicle technology.
Jaguar Land Rover’s project will look to improve vehicle aerodynamics to improve overall efficiency.
The £2,678,138 sum is part of the government’s £109.7 million national funding to help develop the next generation of driverless and low-carbon vehicles.
Coventry-based JLR is one of seven projects to share the latest round of funding from the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), the joint industry-government programme to put the UK at the forefront of low carbon vehicle technology.
Transport Minister John Hayes said: “I am determined to improve air quality and reduce pollution in towns and cities by encouraging the growth of cleaner and more sustainable vehicles.
“We are delighted to provide Jaguar Land Rover with £2,678,138 to help develop the next generation of low-emission vehicles.
“The number of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads is at record levels and our renewed support for these exciting technologies is yet another significant milestone.”
West Midlands Mayoral candidate Andy Street welcomed the funding and said the announcement is excellent news for the region.
He said: “These technologies are what will drive our economy in the future, creating jobs and putting us front and centre of new global industries.
“I am committed to supporting companies like JLR, Penso and Westfields, which have all been quick to move to the vanguard of this emerging industry.”
Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark said: “Low carbon and driverless cars are the future.
“We are determined through the Industrial Strategy to build on our strengths and put the UK at the forefront of this revolution.
“The projects being awarded funding will help extend our excellence in these cutting edge research fields, helping to safeguard jobs while ensuring the UK remains the go-to destination for automotive excellence.”
