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Boost for UK autonomous vehicle technology

Posted at September 10, 2017 | By : | Categories : News,Rural Business | Comments Off on Boost for UK autonomous vehicle technology

Climate Change and Industry Minister, Claire Perry, has launched MERIDIAN, a new brand for the development of connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) technology in the UK funded jointly by the Government’s CAV investment programme and by industry.

The aim is to create a cluster of excellence in driverless car testing, along the M40 corridor between Coventry and London, to accelerate the development of the technology, grow intellectual capital and attract overseas investment in the UK.

Claire Perry comments: “With bases at the Coventry and Stratford branches of the Advanced Propulsion Centre, MERIDIAN will bring together the UK’s existing CAV testing centres to create a concentrated cluster of testing facilities that covers all testing requirements for CAV technology. Analysis has identified that through the hub, the UK has a unique opportunity to focus on four strategically important areas: advanced CAV testing and development; connected environments; data and cyber security; and new mobility services”

Ford director and chair of the Auto Council Technology Group, Graham Hoare, adds: “These technologies are coming and will profoundly change our understanding of mobility. The UK has long-standing capabilities across many of the sectors supporting new vehicle technologies and an approach that is more open and collaborative than other markets.”

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