The University of Birmingham and Chinese automotive giant Geely have signed an agreement to work together on a range of education and research projects.

Renowned for its engineering expertise, the University has a world-leading research profile in combustion engines and low carbon vehicle technology.

Geely is one of China’s top vehicle manufacturers with more than 120,000 employees and comprising of many well-known international brands including Geely Auto, Volvo Cars, Polestar, Lotus and London Electric Vehicle Company.

After signing the collaboration agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Limited, Professor Andy Schofield, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, commented: “We’re delighted to forge a partnership with Geely – one of the most dynamic automobile manufacturers and technology leaders in China and the world.

“The University of Birmingham has strong industrial links aligned with our internationally recognised strengths in-vehicle technology, and clean energy technology. This provides a great basis for our collaboration with Geely.

“We look forward to working closely on education and research collaborative programmes to help advance low carbon automotive technology and the development of an efficient, green and sustainable mobility ecosystem for our respective countries.”

Geely was founded in 1986 and started producing cars in 1997. A global mobility technology innovator, the group had annual sales of over 2.14 million units in 2018, maintaining its position as the best-selling Chinese auto brand for passenger cars.

Professor Mei WEI, Vice President of the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Limited, commented: “Innovation and creativity have been an important factor for Geely’s success. As one of the largest automotive groups, we employ over 20,000 staff in R&D and design and have innovation and design centres in China, America, Asia, Europe and including the UK.

“It is exciting for Geely to add another influential partner, the University of Birmingham, to our global collaboration portfolio. Birmingham is one of the top 100 universities in the world, and I believe our relationship would draw on the complementary expertise and advantages to help us pursue our shared aspirations and visions.”

Professor Duncan Shepherd, Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering of Birmingham University, added: “Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham has a proud tradition of producing high-quality graduates that go on to work in the automotive industry throughout the world.

“Our world-leading research in automotive engineering involves collaboration with many industrial partners in the automotive industry. We look forward to developing this partnership to develop educational programmes, new employment opportunities for our graduates and new research projects.”

Read more motoring related articles in our dedicated section here.