US may set up National tyre Research centre in Va. - report

ERJ staff report (DS)

Richmond, Virginia -- A consortium including GM, A local college and an un-named tyre maker are proposng to establish a National tyre Research Center in Virginia, according to a local paper. The project is receiving up to $5 million in funds from the Tobacco Commission said the report, in the Gazette-Virginian

The Gazette quoted local official Mike Sexton saying that the Halifax County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is seeking a grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the project. He reportedly said the project would create 183 jobs.

The paper has seen an executive summary of the proposal, which would use buildings in Southside Virginia provided by local college, Virginia Tech.

The summary reportedly suggests that GM would offer funds up to $5 million for use of the centre, while an un-named tyre maker would also be involved.

The centre would carry out, "independent testing, research, and assessments that complement research and development performed by tyre manufacturers will dramatically increase the time devoted to advanced research focused on green technology in tyres," according to the summary.

The report said the centre would include a force and moment machine and a rolling resistance machine.

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Report from Gazette-Virginian (US - Virginia)