Ford Assists Universities to Boost Automotive Development

Ford Motor Company recently informed the public that it has come up with academic unions with Shanghai Jiaotong University and Nanjing University of Aeronautics (SJTU) and Astronautic (NUAA). The partnerships between Ford and the two esteemed Chinese universities have been created to augment the automotive company’s research and development projects when it comes to auto technologies.

These academic partnerships are in fact the first alliances with Mainland China schools that Ford entered into. In line with this, the two universities appointed a Ford Motor Company Professor’s Chair. The task of this official is to make the first stages of the partnership easy. The Chair is to assist in the automotive research programs and academic prospectus of the university.

“NUAA and SJTU are widely renowned for their leading scientific research programs and academic reputations. The alliances with Ford will allow for high-level collaboration that will enhance mutual scientific and educational capacities, and leverage each other’s strengths and resources in the co-development of automotive technologies,” said Vice president of Research & Advanced Engineering at Ford Motor Company Gerhard Schmidt.

Alliance with NUAA

The strengths of Nanjing University of Aeronautics are enhancement of diesel engine performance and aluminum sheet forming. These two fields are said to be important in enhancing the efficiency of fuel and trimming down the weight of the vehicle. Hence, Ford is cooperating with NUAA when it comes to boosting the progress of these automotive programs. Moreover, Ford and its partner universities are aiming to establish ways that will prove to be effective in furthering the conservation of the environment.

This academic alliance with NUAA is a great advantage for Ford since it boosts the credibility of the automotive company in many strategic areas. Furthermore, the programs set by NUAA for various local areas will certainly be a great advantage to Ford Motor Research and Engineering (Nanjing) Co., Changan Ford Mazda Engine Co., and Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Nanjing plant.

Alliance with SJTU

SJTU obtained two sponsorships for university research program from Ford in 2006. Since the partnership was founded, several projects such as trainings, education, and technical seminars have been pushed through.

“Strategic partnerships between academic institutions and the private sector provide a vital bridge that links technological research and application and market realities,” said Schmidt. According to Ford, entering into strategic alliances with top Chinese universities will help facilitate technological innovation, as well as elevate Ford’s leadership and overall contribution to China’s growing auto industry.

Source: huliq.com