Harper Government Announces Auto Innovation Funding

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 29, 2012) - Canadians are closer to having safer and cleaner cars thanks to a Harper Government investment announced today by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

"Our government's first priority is the economy-creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister of State Goodyear. "The ideas, products and technologies generated by these AUTO21-funded research projects will create jobs and businesses, help develop highly skilled people, strengthen our economy and improve the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry."

The Harper Government is investing $10 million in funding over two years for 40 projects, which AUTO21 will receive from the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. The projects will receive an additional $12 million in support from Canada's automotive sector, including automakers, parts manufacturers and material suppliers. These investments, affecting nearly 200 academic researchers, will help keep Canada at the forefront of innovation in the automotive industry.

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 the Networks of Centres of Excellence program. For further information on this program, please visit the Networks of Centres of Excellence website (www.nce.gc.ca).