The automotive industry is one of Canada's largest economic sectors. The industry exports 85% of its entire production—roughly $75 billion annually—to the United States and beyond. The auto industry produces more than 12% Canada's manufacturing gross domestic product, provides 21% of manufacturing jobs in Ontario, and offers high-quality employment to more than 550,000 Canadians.

Since 2001, AUTO21 has expanded the number of Canadian automotive researchers from a handful to more than 260 across the country. This national team provides expertise in health, safety and injury prevention; societal issues; materials and manufacturing; design processes; powertrains, fuels and emissions; and intelligent systems and sensors. These investigations have far-reaching effects in areas not typically associated with traditional automotive research.

AUTO21's Enhanced Child Safety in Automobiles project is helping to reduce the number of children aged four to eight killed or severely injured in vehicle collisions. The project examines booster seats and the factors that limit their use among Canadians and is developing ways to increase safe seat usage.

In 2006, AUTO21 and Transport Canada conducted the most comprehensive national study on booster and child seats in Canadian history. Researchers hope it will lead to new legislation regarding booster seats in every province, coupled with increased, multilingual public awareness campaigns.

The project also resulted in a new product. Developed and manufactured by Magna Aftermarket, a division of Magna International, the clek™ became available across Canada in September 2006 and in the United States in summer 2007. Fifteen countries have approached Magna to launch the clek™ internationally. The clek™ offers parents a new, safer system that attaches directly into the LATCH system found in all new vehicles. It also addresses concerns about comfort, style and simplicity by offering a sleek, stylish and easy-to-install product.

In collaboration with DaimlerChrysler Canada, AUTO21 researchers created a multimedia education program for families. Bobby Shooster Rides Safely in His Booster received the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Partnership Award.

The findings of this project and their implications on the health and well-being of children resulted in an invitation from the Canadian Institute for Scientific Exchange and the World Health Organization to collaborate on an international program called the Canadian Connection. The road safety aspect of this larger program recognizes the scope of road injuries in the Middle East and Africa.

AUTO21's Highly Qualified People Program was recognized with the 2006 Program of the Year Award of Excellence by the Yves Landry Foundation, the Canadian automotive industry's premier supporter and promoter of technical education.

The Network is also encouraging the next generation of scientists and engineers by supporting the Youth Science Foundation's Canada Wide Youth Science Fair (CWSF). Since 2005, AUTO21 has sponsored the automotive division at CWSF, which accounts for over 10% of all entries. In 2007, AUTO21 expanded its role by sending three HQP to represent the Network as automotive division judges. The network is collaborating with the foundation to provide HQP the opportunity to become mentors to these budding scientists and channel their interest in the automotive-sector science into post-secondary studies.

To date, AUTO21 research has resulted in over 30 patents filed or issued, and numerous disclosure and licensing agreements. With the success in terms of public awareness, safety and new products created by projects such as Enhanced Child Safety in Automobiles, AUTO21 is helping to keep future generations safe.

Auto21 Network of Centres of Excellence - Auto21 (2001 - 2012)
Focus:	To help build a stronger automotive sector in Canada through excellence in public/private sector collaborative research and the development of human and social capital
Funding:	$63.71 million for entire funding period
Strength:	307 researchers and 552 Highly Qualified Personnel
Partnership Power:	240 industry, public service and academic partners
Scientific Director and CEO:	Dr. Peter Frise
Web site:	www.auto21.ca