Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has commenced construction of its new National Automotive Innovation Center (NAIC) at the University of Warwick in the UK.
The automaker is investing150m on the project, which will include automotive technology workshops, laboratories, virtual engineering suites and advanced powertrain facilities. The facility will be used for design, visualization and prototyping activities.
According to the automaker, the NAIC project is the next stage in the company's strategy to expand and develop its global R&D and engineering capability.
The 33,000m2 facility will open in the spring of 2017 and employ about 1,000 people.
Around 600 of JLR's engineers, researchers and technologists will work along with academics and R&D specialists from across the automotive supply chain on various projects including electrification, human-machine interface and smart and connected cars.
Jaguar Land Rover CEO Dr Ralf Speth said:"The National Automotive Innovation Centre will serve as a generator of new skills and new thinking, providing a perfect, collaborative environment in which to learn, research and develop the designs and technologies that will shape the vehicles and personal mobility solutions of the future.
"As well as helping Jaguar Land Rover create key technologies that will deliver new experiences for our customers; smarter, safer and more connected cars and a low-carbon future, the centre will deliver wider benefits to the UK automotive industry.
"The NAIC will have a significant role inspiring the engineers of tomorrow and will help develop the skills we need the UK to nurture and develop to ensure we remain globally competitive."
Image: JLR UK innovation centre: Photo: Courtesy of Jaguar Land Rover.
