Advanced Vehicle Research Center secures funding

North Carolina to Host New Automotive Test Center with Hydrogen Refueling Station and Fuel Cell Test Site

Northampton County, NC - Aug. 12 A combination of state and local investment has been secured to develop an independent automotive proving ground in Eastern North Carolina. Northampton county will provide the 630-acre site as part of an economic development initiative. Start-up funding was authorized by the North Carolina General Assembly in August of 2005. Initial financing and incentives are placed at a value of approximately $7.5 million.

As a non-profit, independent testing facility, the Center will be designed to provide a number of resources at a reasonable cost to users in the general automotive, motorsports, and alternative fuel development sectors.

Initially, the Center will include a 3.2 mile (5 km) high speed test track, offices and garages, dynamometers and engine test cells. All facilities may be rented or leased by users of the facility.

The Center will also feature a hydrogen refueling station and test facilities for fuel cell development.

Located less than a mile from Interstate 95, just a few miles south of the Virginia/North Carolina line, the AVRC will be easily accessible for clients in the Mid-Atlantic States.

Stage one of the project is planned to be completed in 3Q06 with the facilities mentioned above. Future development will include a road and handling course, additional labs and education center, wind tunnel, and other facilities requested by users and members of the Center.

Further information may be obtained at the AVRC web site, www.avrnc.com .