New funding for R&D in road transport emissions Government funding of up to £16. ...

New funding for R&D in road transport emissions Government funding of up to £16.5mn is to be made available for new research and development that will lead to significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and position the UK at the forefront of low carbon vehicle technology. The ‘Technology Challenges in Low Carbon Vehicles’ competition for collaborative R&D funding has been developed in conjunction with the UK Automotive Council. Grants will be awarded to UK businesses through a new competition for collaborative research and development funding, opening early this year, which will be managed by the UK’s innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, in partnership with the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The three organisations are seeking proposals for highly innovative, industry-led projects involving low carbon vehicles that aim to achieve significant cuts in carbon dioxide. Technologies must be centred on the vehicle. Proposals should demonstrate the potential to build on the UK’s existing capabilities, targeting global competitive advantage and economic benefit for the UK. Companies from outside the automotive sector, and that can bring technical knowledge and expertise to a consortium, are also encouraged to participate. The competition opens on 18 February and expressions of interest must be submitted by 27 March, www.innovateuk.org/content/competition/technology-challenge-in-low-carbon-vehicles.ashx