Chrysler Canada Strengthens Commitment to University of Windsor

June 20, 2012 , Windsor, Ontario -  Chrysler Canada today announced a $100,000 investment to the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation at the University of Windsor.

“This investment in Canadian higher education, further signals our strong commitment to ensure engineering students are well prepared for the integral role they will play in society,” said Reid Bigland, President and CEO, Chrysler Canada. “Science and technology is the lifeblood of our future, working with the University of Windsor, we will develop creative thinkers who will serve as the engine of innovation for generations to come.”

The Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation will become the new home of the Faculty of Engineering when it opens this September. Spanning 300,000 square feet, it will not only increase the size and scope of the university’s engineering facilities, but it will set a new standard for teaching and learning with state-of-the-art technology to dramatically enhance the experience of students and faculty alike. It will offer more than 80 teaching and research labs, as well as a 20,000 square foot Industrial Courtyard, which will be the flagship of several joint industry and academic research spaces across campus.

Dr. Alan Wildeman, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Windsor said, “Chrysler Canada is a highly valued partner to the University of Windsor and we are very grateful for their continued support of our engineering programs as we prepare to open the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation this fall. Their donation allows UWindsor to provide an exceptional experience for our students in a world-class facility that will become an address for innovation in our region.”

Chrysler Canada has already invested more than $500 million in operating and capital for the University of Windsor/Chrysler Canada Automotive Research and Development Centre (ARDC), which was established in 1996. The ARDC was the first partnership of its kind in the country and serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when industry, academia, and government work together.

The ARDC has provided placements to over 300 undergraduate engineering co-op students, giving them relevant industry experience while working on advanced Research and Development issues that enhance and in some cases, contribute directly to their graduate studies.

Last year, Chrysler Group developed a Joint International Degree Program in Automotive Engineering in conjunction with the University of Windsor and Politecnico di Torino. This joint Master’s Degree agreement will see graduate students from both educational institutions participate in a two-year program, working on cutting edge research and development projects with Chrysler and Fiat. This is the first example in the world of a degree program based on collaboration between two prestigious universities and two automakers on two different continents, which seeks to offer an academic experience of the highest international standard and at the same time, provide students with an opportunity for cultural and personal growth.

About Chrysler Canada:
Founded as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925, Chrysler Canada Inc. is based in Windsor, Ontario, and celebrates its 87th anniversary in 2012. Chrysler Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chrysler Group LLC, one of the world's leading automotive companies. Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat, S.p.A., produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, SRT, Fiat and Mopar vehicles and products. Chrysler Canada's product lineup features some of the world's most recognizable vehicles, including the Chrysler 300, Dodge Grand Caravan, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and Fiat 500.

About University of Windsor:
Founded in 1963, the University of Windsor has close to 16,000 full-time and part-time students. The University of Windsor’s mission is to enable people to make a better world through education, scholarship, research and engagement. For more information about the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation, including a virtual tour and construction progress photos, please visit: www.uwindsor.ca/cei.