RALEIGH – The North Carolina General Assembly has approved $3.5 million in additional funding for the operation and development of the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research (NCCAR), formerly known as the Advanced Vehicle Research Center (AVRC).

The appropriation comes in large part to the efforts of State House Representative Michael Wray (D-27th).

“I strongly support the North Carolina Center for Automotive Research Project which combines the talents and experience of multi-national automotive companies with those of North Carolina’s leading universities,” said Wray.

“Unique to the automotive testing industry, NCCAR will offer on-site, independent, technical and engineering support.”

NCCAR is being constructed along the Interstate 95 corridor in Northampton County and is expected to generate at least 108 new jobs and $1.49 million in new investment.

Northampton County Economic Development Commission Director Gary Brown expressed his appreciation to the General Assembly and Representative Wray along with State Senator Ed Jones (D-4th).

“The appropriation this year demonstrates the General Assembly continuing commitment to invest in projects, which show the most potential for strengthening North Carolina’s long term economy,” said Brown. “Certainly that is exactly the objective Representative Wray and Senator Jones have envisioned and worked for. They in particular along with the (State) House leadership have been great allies and who have done a great, tough job in supporting and moving the NCCAR project forward.”

The NCCAR is a public-private initiative that incorporates the innovations of multinational automotive companies and North Carolina’s universities and colleges.

The NCCAR will feature a development and testing center, engine and chassis dynamometers, garages, a 4.1 mile ride and handling course, vehicle dynamics area and alternative fuel and fuel cell testing labs.

The facility has been modeled after similar successful initiatives in Ohio and the United Kingdom. Funding has been received from the state of North Carolina, the U.S. Department of Energy and several private organizations and companies. It will be the only independent research center of its kind on the East Coast.