University of Bath gets green light for engine facility

The University of Bath is hoping to appoint a contractor in the near future to build its planned Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS). The £28.9M facility will be located at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, and it will lead the development of future generations of ultra-low emission vehicles and attract sector-related businesses to the region, generating economic growth.

IAAPS, which is scheduled to open in early 2020, will also create an additional turnover of £800M for the UK automotive sector and support nearly 1,900 new highly productive jobs.

Global companies, including McLaren, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Hofer Powertrain and HORIBA Group, as well as more local businesses such as HiETA Technologies, have been key to the success of the IAAPS concept.

Mayor of the West of England Tim Bowles said: “Agreeing the funding through the West of England Joint Committee is key to bringing a centre of global excellence for automotive technology to the heart of our region.

“IAAPS will also support the development of a much larger and more competitive automotive business cluster in the West of England, providing access to its state-of-the art facilities to start-ups and small to medium-sized companies.”