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Auto experts appointed to engine technology hub charged with creating 30,000 jobs

Two prominent automotive industry figures have been appointed to the Government’s newly formed Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC), which aims to secure 30,000 jobs through developing engine technology in the UK.

Former BMW and Ford man, Dr Gerhard Schmidt and former Mazda and Volvo product development expert, Tony Pixton, will become chair and chief executive of the APC.

The centre will administer £1 billion government investment in green engine technology over the next ten years.

An inaugural industry competition opened on December 2, 2013 with £75 million available for business to develop and test new low carbon technologies.

Business Secretary and Co-Chair of the Automotive Council, Vince Cable said: “With the right leadership, the new Advanced Propulsion Centre - which this government has funded jointly with industry – will enable businesses to make and test low carbon technologies and position the UK as a leading innovator in engine design, with the potential to create 30,000 new private sector jobs.

“Tony Pixton and Gerhard Schmidt both have extensive experience in the car industry. Their expertise and knowledge of innovation in engine development will be invaluable to the APC.”

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