Powerful R&D in the wind for Vic automotive industry
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15 April 2009
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A unique partnership between the Victorian Government and the automotive industry has resulted in the construction of the southern hemisphere’s most powerful wind tunnel in Geelong, an hour south-west of Melbourne.
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The Environmental Wind Tunnel, located at the Ford Proving Ground in Geelong, will provide the automotive industry with a controlled environment to develop products suitable for all global markets.
Victorian Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said the high-tech facility will enable the automotive industry to test vehicles without the need to use northern hemisphere winter proving grounds or go to central Australia in summer.
“This innovative wind tunnel will help Victorian-based automotive manufacturers to stay competitive and protect jobs in a challenging global environment and will reinforce Victoria’s leading position in the development of advanced automotive technologies,” Mr Jennings said.
The Victorian Government invested $6.7 million in the Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART) which has developed the Environmental Wind Tunnel.
“Victoria’s automotive manufacturing sector employs around 27,000 people and had an annual turnover of $16 billion in 2008. This makes up 59 per cent of the total Australian market. Ford Australia is one of this country’s biggest car manufacturers and their vehicle design, engineering and manufacturing facilities are all based in Victoria, employing 4000 Victorians,” Mr Jennings said.
The tunnel is one of three new testing facilities developed by the Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART), a collaborative venture between the Victorian Government, Ford Australia and the University of Melbourne. Other ACART facilities include an emission lab cell and an engine dynamometer at the University of Melbourne.
President and CEO of Ford Australia Marin Burela said: “ACART represents another example of industry, academia and government working co-operatively to enhance the global competitiveness of our industry and economy.
“This is a significant day for Ford Australia and also an important day for the broader automotive industry. It's about investment, it's about technology, it's about innovation, and it's about the capability of young engineers,” Mr Burela said.
Member for Lara John Eren MP said: “ACART adds substantially to Victoria’s Research and Development capabilities by providing the facilities and highly-skilled personnel to support industry-led collaborative research projects, such as studies of advanced engine technologies.
“Engine, radiator and heating, ventilation and air conditioning manufacturers now have the tools to develop more competitive products,” Mr Eren said.
The Victorian Government helped fund the ACART project through a $6.7 million grant under the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Initiative. This nine-year, $620 million initiative is providing economic, social and environmental benefits for the state. STI initiatives have directly facilitated new investment worth over $15 billion, creating over 40,000 new jobs. |
