Following the Niche Vehicle Network’s (NVN) 2013 R&D funding competition earlier this year, 11 niche vehicle manufacturers have been successful in securing a share of the total £1.35 million of funding available.

The projects, each lasting no more than 6 months, will develop a range of innovative low carbon solutions with huge potential for both niche and volume vehicle manufacturers. Investment into the engineering projects has been provided by the NVN, with backing from the Technology Strategy Board and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV).

The NVN’s annual R&D competition aims to accelerate the development of cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles through more efficient propulsion systems, the use of alternative fuels, improved aerodynamics and reduced weight.

The winners were announced at the Cenex LCV 2013 event at Millbrook Proving Ground on 4th September, where the companies were presented with their grants. Attending the event, Transport Minister Norman Baker met some of the winners to discuss their projects and congratulate them.

A range of last year’s completed NVN funded projects are being showcased on the Niche Vehicle Network stand at LCV 2013.

Winning R&D projects for 2013 include:

• The design and development of an all-new 100mpg diesel-powered British sports car.
• The development of a new innovative lightweight composite/aluminium vehicle platform.
• An electric vehicle demonstrator showcasing a 4WD system with torque vectoring for improved efficiency as well as greater stability.
• A fully integrated ECU designed for fuel cell-powered vehicle applications and development of novel exhaust after-treatment for dual fuel HGVs.
• The design and development of a light-duty electrical vehicle platform as a clean, 4-wheeled alternative to the conventional petrol-driven moped.

Dr Viv Stephens, NVN programme director, said: “We are really excited by this round of funding projects. The programme is playing a vital role supporting UK engineering innovation. The niche vehicle sector continues to produce innovative low carbon designs that can be applied to both the niche and volume vehicle sectors.”

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