EBERSPAECHER EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY RDI

The project concerns the promoter’s RDI for vehicle exhaust technology. It covers basic research fields in exhaust heat recovery, heat manangement, active sound design, weight reduction and efficiency improvement, as well as subsequent specific developments for new vehicle platforms.

The project will contribute to developing the promoter’s knowledge and know-how in the field of exhaust and active sound technology. It is expected to accelerate the introduction of innovative technologies bringing about positive environmental results, namely the reduction of pollutant emissions and noise from vehicles.

The project will also likely contribute to the dissemination of knowledge, through the collaboration of the promoter with other industry participants and research institutes. The promoter’s RDI activity targets the development of technologies and systems complying or even exceeding the relevant EU legislation.

The project’s activities, as such, fall within the scope of FP7 priority thematic area of “Sustainable surface transport”.

In conclusion, the project corresponds to the EU policy orientations to promote private sector and competitive innovation and is therefore eligible under Article 309 point (c) Common interest, “Knowledge Economy” – Research and development” as well as “Innovation”.

Subject to EC confirmation, the project could also be eligible under the RSFF Commission window.

The project concerns primarily investments in research and development that are expected to be carried out in existing facilities already authorised and would therefore not require an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) under Annex II of the Directive 85/337/EC, amended by Directives 97/11/EC and 2003/35/EC. Any possible environmental issue will however be verified during the project’s appraisal.

The promoter is a private sector company operating in the manufacturing sector not covered by EU Directives on procurement.

The project will be financed under the Risk Sharing Finance Facility (RSFF), which is an innovative credit risk sharing scheme jointly set up by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank to improve access to debt financing for private companies or public institutions promoting activities with a higher financial risk profile in the fields of research, technological development, demonstration and innovation investments.