Windsor - Increasing fuel efficiency, creating greener vehicle parts, preventing whiplash injuries and protecting newborns and premature infants through better car seats are just some of the ways Canadian automotive researchers are contributing to the car of tomorrow. These projects are part of a $10 million investment in Canadian automotive R&D by the AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence and its industry and public-sector partners.

AUTO21 is Canada’s national automotive research network, with more than 220 researchers at 45 universities across the country helping to advance vehicle technology. The two-year $10 million investment will provide funding for 20 new projects that will provide technology and knowledge for Canada’s automotive sector. AUTO21 is providing approximately $4 million while 59 industry partners are contributing about $6 million.

“These projects represent the highest scientific excellence and the strongest commercialization opportunities,” said Dr. Peter Frise, AUTO21 CEO and scientific director. “More importantly, the projects are providing unique training opportunities for graduate students at universities across Canada.”

The projects join AUTO21’s current research portfolio of 32 projects. Each project is led by an expert researcher who coordinates the efforts of a national team of investigators and student researchers in collaboration with a private or public-sector partner.

“While the auto sector faces challenging times, it is important for Canada to continue to develop innovative technologies for when the market returns,” said Dr. John Mann, chair of the AUTO21 board of directors. “Some of the best and brightest minds in automotive research are in Canada, and it is through this brainpower that the nation will find success in the global market.”

AUTO21 supports research projects in six key areas: health, safety and injury prevention; societal issues; materials and manufacturing; design processes; powertrains, fuels and emissions; and intelligent systems and sensors. AUTO21 is supported by the Government of Canada through a Networks of Centres of Excellence program, and its administrative centre is hosted by the University of Windsor.