The Technology Strategy Board and the Office for Low Emission Vehicle (OLEV) are to invest over £1.3m in collaborative R&D projects for niche and specialist vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and technology organisations who wish to collaborate on innovative, industry-led projects focussing on developing and demonstrating vehicle or system level road-vehicle technology in the following categories:

• Improved Fuel Efficiency & Carbon Reduction
• Weight Reduction & Recyclability

All projects will aim to support the growth and competitiveness of the independent niche vehicle sector and will demonstrate the developed technology at either vehicle or system level.

The call for bids for grant funded collaborative R&D projects opens on 1st May 2014 and closes 4th July 2014, with application packs available from the 1st May 2014.

A briefing session for potential applicants will be held at the High Performance Low Carbon event on the 15th May 2014 held at the Millbrook Proving Ground.