Northumberland-based automotive clean-tech firm AVID Technology (www.Avid.com) is working with a consortium of six partners, including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), to develop advanced hybrid electric-vehicle systems as part of a £20.8 million R&D project supported by the Advanced Propulsion Centre.

The project will see AVID develop a number of innovative electronic systems and components for use in future hybrid powertrain systems to improve vehicle system efficiency.

Managing director Ryan Maughan said: “We have been developing powertrain technology for electric and hybrid vehicles since 2005, and we are now seeing that market take off in a huge way.

“AVID has a proven track record of supporting programmes from concept to production, which is reflected in these prestigious new contract wins.

“It’s a game-changer for us to be working with JLR on this project.”

Andrew Bush, advanced-propulsion collaboration manager at JLR, said: “We are pleased to have secured this project, working with academic and industry partners to develop ‘state of the art’ electric hybrid vehicle systems, and we are looking forward to working alongside a growing UK company like AVID.”

AVID Technology invested over £2 million last year in the expansion of its manufacturing and testing capabilities and is now actively seeking to expand the team, with new employment opportunities in power electronics and other engineering roles.