Member Article

University of Nottingham partner with Chinese motor manufacturer

The University of Nottingham has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chinese vehicle manufacturer, FAW, to conduct research into low carbon technologies.

The research project, worth up to £1m over three years, will investigate the development of thermal management and heat transfer technologies for low carbon vehicles.

Such technology is key to the development of hybrid electric vehicles and pure electric vehicles, which rely on electric and electronic components that normally only operate effectively at certain temperatures.

Work will commence later this year, at research laboratories in the Faculty of Engineering at University Park in Nottingham.

Dr Li Jun President of the R&D Centre of FAW Group Corporation, represented the Asian motor firm at the signing of the MoU.

As President of the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies (FISITA), Dr Li was also given an honorary professorship at the University, marking his contribution to the motor industry.

Dr Li said: “I would like to express my gratitude to The University of Nottingham for the personal recognition of my achievements in research.

“As an engineer, I devoted 20 years of my career to technical innovations in the areas of engine design, combustion, engine durability control and engine electronic control.

“During that time, my focus was to make our engines more powerful and more durable, pushing each to its limits.

“However, we all need to re-consider the role of the motor industry in today’s world, where we face major problems such as the depletion of fossil fuels, global warming and road safety issues.

“We have to recognise the technical development limits that are set by our environment, and we need to build the automobile into a machine that can improve the quality of our lives.

“That is why I want to bring the most outstanding researchers from our two organisations together to develop technologies which will work in harmony with our planet.”

Professor Chris Rudd, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, who signed the MoU on behalf of the University, added: “Dr Li has made a huge contribution in enabling China to become a major force in the automotive industry.

“He was responsible for diesel engine development for hugely successful Jie Fang trucks. Dr Li also drove the development of petrol engines for the prestigious Hongqi car range, and did much to provide FAW with the confidence to build its own brand products. I’m delighted that he is being honoured by The University of Nottingham for his great achievements.

“Looking forward, the collaboration with FAW on low carbon technologies is tremendously exciting and I am very pleased that they are choosing to work with our University as their first overseas strategic partner.

“It is a testament to the quality and reputation of our research work, and further strengthens our close links with Asian industry.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .