Ford has opened a new technology centre in partnership with the University of Melbourne.

The new $20 million Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART) at Ford’s proving ground and the University of Melbourne makes available world-class emissions, environmental and engine development facilities.

Established to enhance the technical competitiveness of Ford Australia and the quality of academic research and testing at the University of Melbourne, ACART will also be available for other automotive manufacturers and suppliers for use on a commercial basis.

ACART was officially opened this week by the Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change, the Hon Gavin Jennings, Ford Australia president & CEO Marin Burela, and dean of the School of Engineering, Melbourne University Professor Iven Mareels at the recently completed environmental testing laboratory at Ford’s proving ground.

“The collaboration and investment undertaken between Ford, the University of Melbourne and the Victorian State Government on the ACART project highlights a continued confidence in the future of our industry in Australia,” says Burela.

“These new facilities present an exciting opportunity for Ford to work with the University of Melbourne, with assistance from the State Government, to make a real difference to environmental research and development in Victoria.

“The project also demonstrates our commitment to technological leadership, and helps build Ford’s capability as an innovative and progressive manufacturer dedicated to improving future product.”

Recent development work undertaken using the completed ACART facilities has seen a significant improvement in the fuel economy and reduced emissions of Ford’s volume selling Falcon sedan.

The state-of-the-art laboratory can replicate conditions ranging from -40ºC to +55ºC, wind speeds of up to 250km/h, and create humidity. It will also have the capability to incorporate snow and rain conditions at a later date.

“It has previously been impossible to experience similar climatic extremes without making trips to locations outside of Victoria. Having these facilities close to hand means we can test a variety of different variables without having to leave the proving ground,” says Burela.

As the Environmental Testing Laboratory is a collaborative business venture, it will also be available for others in the automotive industry, including car companies, to use for their own research and development.

The two additional ACART projects are a new emissions lab cell, which is also located at the proving ground, and an engine dynamometer facility installed at the University of Melbourne.

Source: Autofile