DfT appoints Cenex as delivery partner

The DfT has appointed Cenex, the UK’s Centre of Excellence for Low Carbon and Fuel Cell Technologies, as the partner organisation that will deliver the new low-carbon vehicle public procurement programme on its behalf.

The programme, which was announced in the May 2007 Energy White Paper, is a new initiative to use the public sector’s purchasing power to accelerate the introduction of innovative, lower-carbon models into the UK vehicle market. Initial funding of £20million is available to help public sector organisations meet the additional costs of procuring lower carbon technologies, with the potential of a further £30million if the programme is successful in its first phase.

Cenex was appointed following a competitive tender exercise, which attracted five high-quality bids. As delivery partner Cenex will play a key role in both establishing public sector demand for lower-carbon vehicles and encouraging private sector suppliers to deliver innovative products to meet this demand. Its technical expertise and significant experience in this field will be invaluable in ensuring successful programme roll-out and maximising its impact.

About Cenex

Cenex is the UK’s first Centre for Excellence for low carbon and fuel cell technologies. By encouraging the early market adoption of low-carbon and fuel cell technologies in automotive applications, Cenex aims to assist the UK automotive supply chain to compete in global markets as well as showcase UK expertise to encourage inward investment.

For information about the programme, or to express interest in participating, please contact: lcvpp@cenex.co.uk

For enquiries about Cenex’s appointment or DfT funding of the programme, please contact Lucy Ahad on lucy.ahad@dft.gsi.gov.uk