The CEO of Auto 21 says it's been a good run, but federal funding has run out, and the national research initiative will come to an end in March 2016.
The University of Windsor hosts the network of centres of excellence across the country supplying it with $14.6-million in research support including more than 400 researchers and students over the years.
Since 2001, it's received $68.4-million in funding from its partners in the private sector, and $81.2-million for two seven-year funding cycles from the federal government.
"We had our 14 years, and we're done and we knew that all along. That's how the program is structured," says Peter Frise. "I knew this day was coming the day I submitted the application. I guess it's a different question whether or not that's a good idea."
Frise won't directly answer his question, but information from Auto 21 says it's completed more than 150 research projects resulting in 7,700 patents, licenses and publications benefiting the auto industry.
Although Auto 21's days are numbered, Frise says the research will continue with the Auto Supplier Innovation Program, which will supply product development with $100-million over five years.