Cenex, the Technology Strategy Board and the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV), today announced the formal opening of a joint call for collaborative R&D projects under the Niche Vehicle R&D Programme.

The call for bids for grant funded collaborative R&D opens on 1^st June and closes 31^st July 2012.

Applications are invited from UK niche vehicle manufacturers and suppliers who have two or more collaborative partners and wish to conduct a project (maximum six months duration) to develop a new product or process around the theme of carbon reduction and lightweight vehicle technologies.

Costs for R&D often prohibit small manufacturers from improving their products and processes.  The Niche Vehicle R&D Programme is designed to overcome these obstacles to development and assist manufacturers in investing in R&D; with the aim of ensuring their continuing success in a demanding market place.

The programme is built around the established Niche Vehicle Network – an informal network of niche vehicle manufacturers, their supply chain and specialist technology suppliers.

An information day to discuss the programme and how to apply for grant funding will be held on the 30^th of May at Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon. To secure your place at this event email us at nvn@cenex.co.uk

Further details of this event and how to apply for funding can be found on the Niche Vehicle website www.nichevehiclenetwork.co.uk