New facility to drive future of automotive research
June 17, 2011
By Manufacturing AUTOMATION
Ontario’s industry leaders, top researchers and some of the best and brightest students now have a state-of-the-art facility to create and test the newest automotive innovations.
The General Motors of Canada Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology officially opened on June 13 in Oshawa, Ont. The 16,300-square-metre facility provides a full range of test rooms and research space, including:
• A five storey climatic wind tunnel that tests products in extreme weather conditions, ranging from -40 to 60 degrees C, and features a solar array to replicate the sun’s effects on products;
• A four-poster shaker that can simulate potholes or a drive along a specific road; and
• A five-floor integrated research and training facility with space dedicated for advanced research, education and training.
Beyond standard automotive testing, the ACE will also be used to test cleaner and alternative fuels, as well as hybrid and electric vehicles. The facility is also suitable for testing any products that are subject to severe wind, humidity, snow, ice or extreme heat.
The ACE was developed in partnership with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, General Motors of Canada, the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada.
