Research Center Strikes Deal With Lotus

[Mark H]

http://www.rrdailyherald.com/articles/2005...4/news/news.txt

 

 

Late development: Research center strikes deal with Lotus

 

 

 

Lance Martin/Herald Senior Staff Writer

 

JACKSON - The N.C. Advanced Vehicle Research Center announced today a partnership with Lotus Engineering to design the center's automotive proving ground at the planned facility in Northampton County.

 

Lotus, a United Kingdom-based company with global offices, is known worldwide for its high-performance sports cars. It has the experience and knowledge to design a test facility with unique capabilities, said Don Graunstadt in a news release.

 

Groundbreaking for the facility is tentatively set for January.

 

“We look forward to providing a resource to the industry that will assist in the further development and validation of advanced technologies,” Graunstadt, CEO of Lotus Engineering, said in the news release.

 

Northampton County Economic Development Director Gary Brown told the Daily Herald this morning, “Our association with Lotus is an important and very strong partner ship in the AVRC project. Lotus adds world class talents and capabilities to the project. Other such agreements with other such partners are pending.”

 

Dick Dell, director of the AVRC, said in a news release, “North Carolina has long been recognized for leadership in information technology, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Supported by pre-eminent universities in North Carolina and in partnership with the automotive transportation industry, we will build a world class test and development center.” The 530-acre center will be independently operated with engineering support available on-site through Lotus Engineering. The first stage of the AVRC is expected to operational and available to industry clients and partners in late 2006.