Region's Low Carbon Vehicle Champions Showcase Technology at Event

27/08/2009

Seven companies from the region will be showcasing their groundbreaking low carbon vehicle technologies alongside Jaguar Land Rover and Nissan at an event which showcases this rapidly expanding sector, thanks to Yorkshire Forward.

LCV2009, which is being held at Millbrook Proving Ground in Befordshire on the 9th and 10th September 2009, demonstrates current developments in the low carbon vehicle technology sector and highlights government support for this industry. 

Companies from the region exhibiting at LCV2009 include;
• ITM Power (Sheffield) – a leading technical innovator of fuel cell technologies for the hydrogen economy.
• Magnomatics (Sheffield) – a spin out company from the University of Sheffield which commercialises research on magnetic transmission systems.
• Chesterfield BioGas - offers a complete system for the upgrade, storage and dispensing of energy-efficient biogas in the form of naturally generated biomethane gas.
• Magtec (Sheffield) – designs and produces electric drive systems for buses and commercial vehicles.
• Optare (Leeds/Rotherham) – manufactures a comprehensive range of vehicles including coaches and buses.
• Cummins (Huddersfield) – produces turbochargers for the automotive industry, marine applications and power generation.
• Silver Tip Design (Richmond) - engineering and design consultancy producing revolutionary designs for the transport sector.

All the above companies will exhibit vehicles, some of which are static and some are functional as there will be an opportunity to drive the low carbon vehicles on the venues tracks.

Attendees of LCV2009 will benefit from an extensive seminar programme with the UK’s leading low carbon vehicle advocates such as Lord Adonis, secretary of state for transport; Andrew Palmer, senior vice president (electric vehicles) Nissan and David Smith CEO of Jaguar Land Rover speaking on the latest progress within the sector. The presentation programme has been designed to inform the visitors of the latest developments as well as raise awareness of upcoming funding initiatives and opportunities for both developers and user of low carbon vehicles.

NAMTEC, the region’s research and skills centre for metals technology, organised LCV2009 on behalf of Yorkshire Forward and will be promoting the RDA’s Advanced Engineering and Materials (AEM) programme at the event to encourage inward investment, introduce AEM Yorkshire members to supply chains outside region and also promote their services to the UK’s metal industry.

Both the University of Huddersfield and University of Bradford will be exhibiting at the event as both universities are at the forefront of automotive technology and the event provides an ideal opportunity for the people who are delivering these vehicles to meet and discus this technology and future developments.

Jim Farmery, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward commented; “This event demonstrates how our region is at the forefront of low carbon vehicle developments, even though Yorkshire and Humber is not home to large car manufacturers. It provides a platform for regional companies to showcase their capabilities and to promote closer collaboration with the knowledge base and with other businesses.”

Notes to editors:

Yorkshire Forward
• Yorkshire Forward is the Regional Development Agency behind the economic regeneration of Yorkshire and Humber. It aims to make a positive difference by investing in jobs, improving towns and cities, and in supporting businesses throughout the region.
• Yorkshire Forward’s investment across the region is maximised by attracting European Regional Development Funding.
• For further information, images or to arrange an interview, please contact Laura Scholey, Press Manager on 0113 3949540 or email laura.scholey@yorkshire-forward.com