Ricardo has opened a new “Vehicle Emissions Research Centre” (VERC) which it says will enable the development of next-generation of clean, low carbon vehicles.

The GBP10m facility was formally opened today as part of the company’s centenary celebrations at its world headquarters in Shoreham-by-Sea, UK.

Ricardo says its VERC is one of the world’s most advanced emissions test facilities and has been designed from first principles around the requirements of advanced testing and through-flow of vehicles, including generous heat soak and preparation areas.

The development of the VERC has benefited from financial support provided under the UK Government’s Regional Growth Fund, in recognition of the jobs created and secured in this important area of clean technology.

Already in commercial operation since the early spring of 2015, the Ricardo VERC was formally dedicated today by Richard Noble OBE – world land speed record holder from 1983-1997, and project director of the BLOODHOUND project – as part of a major celebration of the 100th anniversary of the formation of Ricardo.

“The Vehicle Emissions Research Centre is a fantastic addition to Ricardo’s automotive research and testing capability, enabling us to help our customers in all parts of the world in the development of cleaner and more fuel efficient vehicles,” said Ricardo CEO Dave Shemmans. “This is a truly world-class facility that will help Ricardo maintain the reputation the company has developed for 100 years, as a global leader in the creation of clean and less polluting vehicles technologies.”

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