University agrees China venture
The West Midlands’ growing relationship with China is set to receive a further boost after Coventry University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC).
The collaboration makes Coventry University the primary academic partner of SAIC in the UK.
Both organisations will work together on advanced engineering research and development projects.
Initially, research will focus on technology development and professional training.
The announcement of the new strategic partnership comes days after Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited the region.
Coventry University and SAIC already collaborate on a number of existing projects, including Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and simulation work to help develop hybrid and electric vehicle technologies.
Professor Madeleine Atkins, vice-chancellor of Coventry University, said: "This new collaboration represents an exciting development in the relationship between Coventry University and the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation at a time when relations between the UK and China are going from strength to strength.
"We are delighted to help build on those links, and we look forward to passing on the benefits of such a strong industrial partnership to our students."
