The high-performance testing and development engineers at TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) have joined forces with the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) to remain at the front of the automotive technology grid.

TMG, whose parent company is Toyota Motor Corporation, has built its reputation in motorsport via World Rally, Formula 1 and now the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the Le Mans 24 Hours.

In parallel to its motorsport activities, TMG also carries out on a wide range of automotive projects and to enhance its knowledge base joined the AMRC as a Tier 2 partner with a focus on research and development of lightweight materials.

The company, which has its own facilities for CNC, composites and additive manufacturing, will therefore put itself at the front of the pack when it comes to keeping track of the latest trends in materials and manufacturing techniques.

Professor Keith Ridgway, Executive Dean of the AMRC, says TMG is a superb new addition to the AMRC’s stable of high-performing, high-value automotive manufacturers who are looking to stay in pole position with the use of novel materials and cutting-edge light weighting processes.

“I’m extremely pleased the AMRC is working closely with TMG, which is part of the world’s number one endurance racing team - winners of the recent Le Mans 24 Hours event. This is further proof that the Sheffield City Region’s Global Innovation Corridor is the come-to-place for manufacturers who want to take on the world’s best and win.

“The AMRC now has a global reputation for its expertise not just in the development of new composites and processes but also within the increasingly important arena of lightweighting where we lead the way.

“It will be fascinating to work closely with a company involved in high-level motorsport. Like us, they want to make things faster, leaner and cleaner.”

Ben Kitcher, Head of Automotive Strategy at the AMRC, said the partnership consolidates the AMRC’s reputation for using Industry 4.0 technologies to drive changes in performance.

He added: “We will be looking for opportunities to apply horizontal innovation – transferring technology from one sector to another. We’ll be applying innovative technology from other industries to inject fresh ideas and processes into motorsport, as well as setting out a collaborative roadmap of where new technologies will be delivered to motorsport.”