Aussie R and D alliance

FORD Australia has formed a $19.7 million alliance with the Victorian Government and Melbourne University to build three new automotive R&D facilities in the state.

To be developed under the banner of Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART), the facilities will include a new environmental lab testing facility and an emissions "lab cell" stationed at Ford’s You Yangs proving ground, and an engine dynamometer installed at Melbourne Uni.

Ford says the Environmental Laboratory Testing Facility will significantly surpass the technical capability of any competitive facility in the Asia Pacific region. All will become operational during next year.

Victorian Government representative John Brumby, Ford Australia president Tom Gorman and Melbourne University's Professor John McKenzie tuned the first sod.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Ford to work with the University of Melbourne, with assistance from the state government, to make a real difference to environmental research and development in Victoria," said President of Ford Australia, Tom Gorman.

"It also demonstrates our commitment to technological leadership, and helps build Ford's capability as an innovative and progressive manufacturer dedicated to improving future product." The laboratory will be able to replicate conditions ranging from -40ºC to +55ºC, wind speeds of up to 250km/h, as well as create humidity. It will also have the capability to incorporate snow and rain conditions at a later date.

"It has previously been impossible to experience similar climatic extremes without making trips to locations outside of Victoria. Having these facilities close to hand means we can test a variety of different variables without having to leave the proving ground," said Mr Gorman.