Hamilton, Ontario – A new research institute has been established at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario to coordinate its increasing involvement in the automotive sector. The McMaster Institute for Automotive Research and Technology, or MacAUTO, brings together more than 75 researchers in engineering, science, business and other faculties involved in automotive-related research, and involves collaboration with more than 30 private and public sector organizations.

“Better coordinating our efforts across disciplines will lead to new ideas and better solutions for the automotive industry,” said Mo Elbestawi, vice-president of research and international affairs at McMaster. “It will also make it easier for organizations to access our pool of highly-qualified researchers and leading-edge facilities to advance a vital industry sector in Ontario and worldwide.”

Recent initiatives have added the General Motors of Canada Centre for Automotive Materials and Corrosion, the joint Initiative for Automotive Manufacturing Innovation with the University of Waterloo, and the General Motors of Canada Centre for Engineering Design.

“We are positioned to make significant contributions to the next generation of automobiles and how they impact society,” said David Wilkinson, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster. “We are also developing the expertise that will move these advancements forward in the future.”