Annual Report - AUTO21

n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e
D R I V I N G I N N O V A T I O N T H R O U G H R E S E A R C H E X C E L L E N C E
Annual Report
2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4

DRIVING INNOVATION
THROUGH RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
THE AUTO21 NETWORK OF CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE FOCUSES ON APPLIED AUTOMOTIVE RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: HEALTH, SAFETY AND INJURY PREVENTION; SOCIETAL ISSUES
AND THE AUTOMOBILE; MATERIALS AND MANUFACTURING; DESIGN PROCESSES; POWERTRAINS, FUELS
AND EMISSIONS; AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS AND SENSORS. THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AWARDED
AUTO21 AN INITIAL FOUR-YEAR GRANT OF $23 MILLION IN 2001. WITH AN ANNUAL RESEARCH BUDGET
OF APPROXIMATELY $9 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY FUNDING, THE NETWORK CURRENTLY
SUPPORTS 36 INNOVATIVE PROJECTS THAT ARE ENHANCING THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR WITHIN CANADA,
AND ITS COMPETITIVENESS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. AUTO21 IS PART OF THE CANADIAN NETWORKS OF
CENTRES OF EXCELLENCE, AND ITS ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE IS BASED AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WINDSOR.
Some cover photos courtesy of Honda Canada

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Table of Contents
Message from the Board Chair 2
Message from the Program Leader and Managing Director 4
AUTO21 Fast Facts 6
Year in Review 8
Driving Innovation
Through Research
Excellence
AUTO21
401 Sunset Avenue
Windsor, Ontario
N9B 3P4
www.auto21.ca
info@auto21.ca
Theme A: Health, Safety and Injury Prevention 10
Theme B: Societal Issues and the Future Automobile 12
Theme C: Materials and Manufacturing 14
Theme D: Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions 16
Theme E: Design Processes 18
Theme F: Intelligent Systems and Sensors 20
AUTO21 Board of Directors 22
Research Management Committee 23
Scientific Advisory Committee 24
Administrative Staff 24
Institutional Researchers and Affiliations 25
Industry Researchers and Affiliations 26
Public Sector Researchers and Affiliations 26
Industry Partners 27
Public Sector Partners 27
Financial Statements 28
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A Message from the Chair
of the Board of Directors
D E A R M E M B E R S :
strength. In recognition of the general need to speed the
process of integrating new knowledge and technologies
The past year has been dynamic and productive
for both Canada and the Canadian automotive
sector. Since last April, the AUTO21 Board formally
welcomed three new members, Mr. Blake Smith,
Director, Environment, Energy and Vehicle Safety for
Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited, Professor
Bruno-Marie Béchard, Rector of the University of
Sherbrooke and Dr. Jan Miller Polgar, of the University
into industrial and social practice, the Board emphasized
the importance of initiatives which could demonstrate
the potential for commercial development within
a 24-month time frame. The call for proposals also targeted
the Network’s key research goals as identified by
the automotive sector: reduced environmental impacts,
enhanced safety, and reduced costs in the manufacture,
operation and end-of-life disposal of vehicles.
of Western Ontario, the Network’s researcher representative
to the Board.
During the fall of 2003 and the winter of 2004, the Board
focused its attention on the issues of strategic growth for
The Network launched a call for proposals in the spring
of 2003. This was the first time since the Network was
conceived in the spring of 2000 that new research proposals
were considered for inclusion in the research program.
In preparation for the call for proposals, the Board
of Directors and the Research Management Committee
invested considerable time in reviewing the current
state of automotive focused research and development
collaborations between public and private sector participants
throughout Canada. As a result of this review and
in consultation with industry, the network identified a
number of priority research areas demonstrating considerable
potential for the growth and development of automotive
research in Canada.
the Network and the future of automotive research and
development collaborations in Canada. As a result, good
progress has been made in reviewing and refining the
Network’s strategic plan. The work that the Board has
done in this regard has been directed at ensuring that
the vision and future plans for the Network are well
aligned with other Canadian automotive policy initiatives
currently under way. With a total annual budget of
more than ten million dollars, AUTO21’s greatest
strength and opportunity for impacting the Canadian
automotive sector is through its people and through the
vital partnerships it has established with many universities,
government ministries and automotive firms in
Canada and abroad. Our people and our Network are
important national Canadian resources.
The Board also recommitted the Network to pursuing
areas of research in which Canada has traditionally
demonstrated industrial and institutional research
AUTO21 is well positioned for the future and is making
a significant contribution to the ongoing development of

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Canadian automotive sector policy. Twelve AUTO21
Board members and Research Management Committee
members participate in the Canadian Automotive
AUTO21 has worked to transcend parochial interests
and bring a national perspective to discussions surrounding
the development of the automotive sector in Canada.
Partnership Council (CAPC) through a number of working
groups. As the representative of the Association of
Universities and Colleges of Canada, Dr. Ross Paul,
President of the University of Windsor represents
93 post-secondary institutions across the country.
Dr. Paul has also been serving as co-chair of the
Innovation Working Group. It is important for Canada
and the development of the Canadian automotive sector
that the country’s post-secondary institutions participate
in the development of solutions to the many challenges
that CAPC has identified as being critical to the future of
the industry. This is particularly true in fostering innovation
and in training the highly skilled and entrepreneurial
workforce that is vital for maintaining the health and
My term as the Chair of AUTO21’s Board of Directors
concludes this year. The past two years have been a very
exciting and dynamic time for the Network. I am confident
that the solid organizational foundation that has
been established will ensure the smooth operation of the
Network for many years to come. I would like to express
my sincere appreciation to the researchers, research
associates, the Research Management Committee and
the Board of Directors for their ongoing dedication and
continuing contributions to the governance of the
Network. I would also like to commend the administrative
staff of the Network for their ongoing pursuit of
excellence in the operations of the organization.
prosperity of the Canadian automotive sector. It is also
important to note that in recognition of the importance of
post-secondary education to the industry, Dr. Peter Frise,
AUTO21 is making a difference. Thank you for your support
and hard work on behalf of the automotive sector in Canada.
AUTO21’s Program Leader has been appointed to the
founding board of directors of the newly founded Council
Sincerely,
for Automotive Human Resources (CAHR).
As a truly national institution, AUTO21 is positioned to
make invaluable contributions to Canada and the
Canadian automotive sector. With so many stakeholders
Jim Miller
participating, individual, organizational and regional
interests can divide and indeed segment national policy
discussions and impede progress.
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A Message
from the Program Leader
and Managing Director
As of March 31, 2004, the AUTO21 Network of
Centres of Excellence has been operational for two
and a half years. During the past year, the organization
has experienced significant growth and development.
In partnership with more than 80 private sector firms,
the Network supports research collaborations among more than
270 researchers working with 350 graduate research associates
at 45 participating institutions and public sector institutional
research facilities throughout Canada. It has been an exciting
and productive year.
In July 2003, the Network welcomed a new Program Officer,
Mr. Jean Saint-Vil following the reassignment of Dr. Alain
Canuel. The Network valued the input and support of
Dr. Canuel and wishes him well. We are also very pleased to
have the opportunity of working with Mr. Saint-Vil.
In response to its call for proposals in the spring of 2003,
AUTO21 received letters of intent from 32 research teams
across Canada, including over 100 researchers and 150 new
students and post doctoral fellows, requesting an additional ten
million dollars in network support to match the six and a half
million dollars in external support that they had already generated
for their proposals. As the Network budgeted only two million
dollars for distribution through this competition, 12 of the
32 teams were invited to prepare full proposals for submission
to the Network and after an extensive external peer review,
seven of the projects were selected for support.
Through the addition of the seven new research projects,
AUTO21 added 21 new external partnerships. Four of the new
projects focus on reducing the environmental impacts of vehicles
through the application of new powertrain technologies and
life-cycle assessments in the materials and technologies selection
process. Two target helping to identify issues surrounding
the safe use and operation of vehicles for an aging population,
and one will develop new complex materials to aid in acoustic
damping to enhance occupant comfort.
The Network’s ongoing projects are reaching maturity and
beginning to produce the outputs that are generated as the
organization and its research project development processes
mature. In the past year, AUTO21 researchers have been granted
four new patents and a number of applications are pending.
Exciting advances are being made in the areas of bio-fibre reinforced
polymers, hydrogen fuel infrastructure, metal casting
processes and thermal coatings designed to enhance the operating
efficiency of internal combustion engines.
AUTO21’s Annual Scientific Conference, held in Niagara-onthe-Lake
in June 2003 was very well received. More than
170 Network associates met to attend two days of research
meetings, presentations including the keynote by Mr. Michael
Grimaldi, President of General Motors of Canada Ltd. and to
review the results of the 28 research projects.
The following week, Ford Motor Company of Canada hosted
AUTO21’s 2003 Highly Qualified People (HQP) Conference at
their Canadian Headquarters in Oakville. Approximately
160 associate researchers from across Canada convened to tour
the assembly plant, attend lectures from industry experts,
including Dr. Charles Wu, Director of Advanced Manufacturing
and Vehicle Design for Ford, and to participate in the first
annual AUTO21 HQP Poster Competition.
The Board of Directors reviewed the Network’s operating policies
to ensure their alignment with the Network’s evolving
operating environment. The Board also reviewed Canadian
support programs for public/private partnerships and has reiterated
its commitment to assisting AUTO21 fulfill its mandate
to include more research activity directed toward the development
stage of the knowledge commercialization process. The
Board feels it is important that AUTO21 respond to the challenges
articulated by the Innovation Working Group of the
Canadian Automotive Partnership Council (CAPC), and the
Automotive Parts Manufacturer’s Association (APMA) regarding
the provision of support for innovation to the automotive
sector in Canada. It is also vital that AUTO21 respond to the
visionary opportunities presented in the federal government’s
March 2004 Budget, which emphasized the importance of the
automotive industry with a commitment to develop a new
national strategic framework for the Canadian auto sector in
the 21st century and noted that the strategy would undoubtedly
include a strong emphasis on research and development.
In the summer of 2004, AUTO21 will launch its second call for
proposals. The Network will invite the Canadian institutional
research community to recommit itself to working with the
automotive sector through AUTO21. This past year has seen
the emergence of a number of new initiatives targeted at stim-

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ulating research and development partnerships between the
automotive sector and the Canadian institutional research community.
AUTO21 is participating in exciting new research partnerships
with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and
the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability. The
Network has also established relationships with CanDRIVE, a
Canadian automotive focused health initiative; Safe Kids
Canada; the Canadian Microelectronics Corporation; two other
Networks of Centres of Excellence: the Mathematics for
Information Technology and Complex Systems (MITACS), and
Geomatics for Informed Decisions (GEOIDE); and more than
80 private sector automotive firms throughout Canada.
sector through visits to China, Japan, Germany, Austria,
Norway, Spain, England, Australia, France, Sweden and the
United States.
The past year has been very productive and as AUTO21 approaches
its mid-term review, we are confident of the record of
research excellence, growth and development that the Network
has achieved. We have succeeded in developing a system which
supports the best in research excellence, helps develop stronger,
more effective and committed highly qualified people and has
forged stronger relationships among Canadian institutional
researchers and the automotive sector in Canada.
We were particularly pleased with the Network’s participation
in the Networks of Centres of Excellence supplement to the
Globe and Mail, published during the first week of December
2003. AUTO21 was proud to partner with Canadian automakers
to reinforce their commitment to supporting the ongoing
development of collaborative automotive research and development
initiatives.
AUTO21 has maintained a presence with the Innovation
Working Group of CAPC, and through this vital component of
the Canadian automotive policy landscape, AUTO21 has continued
to work on the national stage to the benefit of all
Canadian post-secondary institutions. The automotive sector
has identified a need for more highly qualified people as one of
the most pressing issues confronting the industry today.
AUTO21 is on the committees representing the Canadian academic
community helping to design new, more responsive programs
to effectively address industry concerns. The Network
continues to work on the development of appropriate programs
to address calls for enhanced training for highly qualified people
throughout the Canadian automotive sector.
It has been an exciting year and we would like to express our
appreciation to the researchers, students and associates who
have made so many outstanding contributions to the success,
growth and development of the Network. We would also like to
thank the staff of AUTO21, without whom none of this could
happen. Their dedication to AUTO21 and to the pursuit of
excellence in all that they do is reflected in the quality of the
work that the Network has produced.
Finally, we would like to thank the Network’s Research
Management Committee and the Board of Directors for their continued
support and guidance. We would particularly like to express
our appreciation to our out-going Chairman, Mr. James H. Miller,
Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs of Honda Canada for his
sage guidance, sound advice and dynamic leadership.
We look forward to continued growth, development and more
dynamic contributions to Canada’s innovation agenda in
2004/2005 under the leadership from incoming Chair, Mr. Norman
Lockington, Vice President of Technology of Dofasco Inc.
AUTO21 is committed to being more responsive in building
effective public/private sector research partnerships to assist in
strengthening the automotive sector. The Network has had the
opportunity of working with both Industry Canada and the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in promoting
Canadian automotive sector research and development
capacity as a unique Canadian advantage for international
automotive sector firms, planning future investments in North
American. The Network has also extended its outreach efforts
into the international automotive research and development
Peter R. Frise
Program Leader & CEO
Bill Woodward
Managing Director
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A U T O 2 1
Fast Facts

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$5,794,835
Sources of Revenue
Total Revenue:
$10,224,942
$471,256
People & Partners
University Researchers 201
Industry Researchers 28
Public Sector Researchers 17
F A S T F A C T S
HQP (undergraduates, graduates and post-graduates) 370
Industry Partners 83
Public Sector Partners 29
University Partners 34
Research Projects 36
$3,958,851
NCE Funding through AUTO21
Non-NCE Funding through AUTO21
Additional Non-NCE Funding
Knowledge Transfer – April 1, 2003 to March 31, 2004
Number of papers published/accepted 171
Expenditures
Number of papers in submission 30
Total Expenditures:
Number of papers presented at conferences 240
$10,162,321
$9,130,337
$396,447
Research Themes
Program Support
Including Additional Funding
Administration
Research Support
$635,537
Theme A
Theme B
Theme C
Theme D
Theme E
Theme F
Health, Safety and Injury Prevention
Societal Issues and the Automobile
Materials and Manufacturing
Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions
Design Processes
Intelligent Systems and Sensors
THEME A THEME B THEME C THEME D THEME E
THEME F
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A U T O 2 1 Year in Review
(1) (2) (3) (4)
(3) In late June, Ford of Canada hosted the AUTO21 HQP
Conference at its headquarters in Oakville, Ontario. About
160 student and network researchers attended the three-day
event, which featured a number of speakers from Ford of Canada
and a tour of the truck assembly plant. Students from across
Canada competed for cash prizes totalling $9,750 in the poster
competition. First-place honours were awarded to a student team
from the University of Waterloo for their illustrated display of
work completed by the “Sheet and Tube Forming” project.
April 2003
(1) Dr. Maureen Molot, AUTO21 project leader and Carleton
University professor, organized a two-day conference in Ottawa,
“The Auto Industry in the 21st Century: Challenges and
Prospects.” The conference provided an opportunity for academia,
government and auto sector representatives to hear from
more than 15 international experts and discuss topics including
alternative fuels, labour market issues, environmental regulations
and new generation vehicles. In addition to Dr. Molot, several
other AUTO21 researchers delivered presentations.
October 2003
In April, administrative staff took part in the APMA Annual
Conference and Exhibition in Hamilton, Ontario. The event is
one of the most important on the Canadian auto industry calendar.
The Canadian Rubber Association launched its Be Tire Smart
campaign in Toronto. AUTO21 provided research assistance to
this national tire-pressure study. The study discovered that
70 per cent of Canadian passenger cars and light trucks have at
June 2003
(2) In mid-June, more than 175 people attended the AUTO21
2003 Scientific Conference in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.
Delegates toured the technically advanced facilities of Dofasco Inc.,
least one tire improperly inflated by at least 10 per cent. Forty
per cent of vehicles had at least one tire mis-inflated by 20 per
cent, a potentially serious problem that can lead to reduced safety,
higher fuel costs and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
TRW Chassis, Tiercon Industries and the General Motors powertrain
assembly plant. Highlights of the conference included a presentation
from Michael Grimaldi, president of General Motors of
Canada, and the award ceremony for the best project booth to
Dr. Patrice Masson, Université de Sherbrooke professor and leader of the
AUTO21 project “Interior Noise Environment of Future Automobiles.”
(4) In early October, Dr. Marc Renaud, president of the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) visited
the AUTO21 Administrative Centre for a research update.
Dr. Renaud met with Dr. Peter Frise, AUTO21 Program Leader
and CEO, Mr. Bill Woodward, AUTO21 Managing Director, and
Dr. Anne Snowdon, AUTO21 Theme Coordinator and University
of Windsor professor. AUTO21 is committed to social sci-

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(5) (6) (7) (8)
ences and humanities research and has dedicated one of its six
research themes to this area. Currently, there are six projects
within the Societal Issues and the Automobile theme. SSHRC
The projects represent funding of up to $6.5 million from
AUTO21 and industry, and add an additional 32 researchers
and 53 HQP to the Network.
provides approximately 25 per cent of AUTO21’s government
funding.
January 2004
(6) With assistance from the Canadian Consulate General in
(5) The Government of Canada launched its new automotive
branding strategy, “Cars on the Brain” at the Tokyo Motor Show.
Detroit, AUTO21 attended a supplier day at the Nissan North
American Research Centre. Dr. Peter Frise provided an
overview of the Network to Nissan employees.
The campaign highlights Canada’s strong reputation for innovation,
research and development, expertise, quality and productivity.
To help illustrate the concept, Dr. Michael Worswick,
leader of the AUTO21 project “Sheet and Tube Forming” and
University of Waterloo professor, was featured in the Cars on the
Brain brochures. In addition, Dr. Peter Frise attended the Tokyo
Motor Show and promoted AUTO21 to the Japanese auto sector.
March 2004
(7) AUTO21 expanded its presence at the SAE 2004 World
Congress in Detroit, Michigan. In addition to a booth in the
Canadian Pavilion at the exhibition, 14 AUTO21 research papers
were presented during the technical sessions. More than
60 AUTO21 researchers and HQP also took advantage of a travel
November 2003
Along with several other Networks of Centres of Excellence,
AUTO21 participated in the third Intelligent Materials and
Systems Institute (IMSI) Colloquium at the Université de
subsidy to attend the conference as part of an AUTO21 delegation.
On March 9 th , nearly 100 AUTO21 participants and government
and industry representatives mingled and viewed HQP posters at
the second annual AUTO21 SAE Networking Colloquium.
Sherbrooke. The two-day event featured presentations by IMSI
and AUTO21 researchers and a student poster exhibition.
(8) With members of the Canadian Water Network, AUTO21
represented the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada
Following a thorough scientific evaluation of submissions to a
spring 2003 call for proposals, AUTO21 announced the funding
of seven new projects.
program at its booth at the Globe 2004 Conference in
Vancouver, B.C. Interest in the NCE program and the two individual
NCEs was high amongst visitors to this international
environmental technologies and management conference.
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T H E M E A :
Health, Safety and
Injury Prevention

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Theme A: Health, Safety and Injury Prevention
Theme Coordinator: Dr. Anne Snowdon, University of Windsor
Preventing the Crash: Common Safety Features
Help Vehicles Avoid Collisions
Researchers working on the “Crash Investigations Outcomes for Vehicle
Design” project are exploring what vehicle safety features affect the likelihood
of a side-impact crash. One of their findings is that anti-lock brake systems
(ABS) are useful in crash avoidance, particularly for the striking (bullet)
vehicle. While anti-lock brakes don’t decrease the stopping distance, they
do allow drivers better steering control, which can be valuable in a crash situation.
Other analyses in both the laboratory and in evaluating crash information
databases have examined factors affecting the risk of injury in a sideimpact
crash. For example, the investigators are looking at door panel design
to provide better protection in such a crash through the use of energy absorbing
materials.
Children Learn Vehicle Seating Lessons Through Storybook
Recent studies by AUTO21 researchers working on the “Vehicle Safety for
Vulnerable Populations” have discovered that many children are moved from
baby restraint seats and booster seats too soon and into harm’s way. Although
vehicle safety restraint systems offer protection to adults, the harness systems
don’t protect children to the same degree due to their smaller body frames. To
help educate parents and youngsters on the best restraint systems,
researchers have written a children’s storybook that illustrates where children
should sit in vehicles and which type of seating device should be used for
best protection. Researchers are now working on distribution of the book.
Project
Crash Investigations - Outcomes for Vehicle Design
Vehicle Safety for Vulnerable Populations
Industrial Health & Safety in the Auto Industry
Safety Restraint of Children During Collisions
Safe Transportation for Seniors
Project Leader
Dr. M. Chipman, University of Toronto
Dr. A. Snowdon, University of Windsor
Dr. J. Miller Polgar, University of Western Ontario
Dr. J. Callaghan, University of Waterloo
Dr. A. Howard, Hospital for Sick Children - Toronto
Dr. M. Bédard, Lakehead University
Dr. J. Miller Polgar, University of Western Ontario
T H E M E A
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T H E M E B :
Societal Issues and
the Automobile

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Theme B: Societal Issues and the Automobile
Theme Coordinator: Dr. Robert Mann,
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Designing Vehicles to Reduce Road Rage Behaviour
What if you could modify a vehicle to recognize anti-social driving behaviour
and take actions to prevent it A multidisciplinary collaboration between
AUTO21 researchers from the Health, Safety and Injury Prevention, Societal
Issues and Intelligent Systems and Sensors themes wrote an innovative
research paper discussing the options to this question. Some of their suggestions
include using vehicle sensors to prevent tailgating, and horns with
automatic shut-offs if used too frequently. The paper has been accepted by a
journal for publication in 2004. Given the broad range of academic backgrounds
including social science, geomatics engineering and paediatric
orthopaedics, the researchers agree they would never have thought to work
with the other disciplines if it weren’t for their involvement with AUTO21,
which encourages multidisciplinary research. The research team is looking
forward to future collaborations on the issue.
New Project Investigates Automotive Life Cycle Assessment
From the energy required to create parts and vehicles to how those parts and
vehicles are disposed of is the issue of focus in the new AUTO21 project,
“Evolution of Life Cycle Assessments,” led by Dr. Heather MacLean of the
University of Toronto. The project was one of the seven funded through the
Network’s 2003 call for proposals. The project researchers are investigating
how life cycle assessments are currently used in the automotive industry, as
well as exploring how factors such as environmental, energy and economic
issues affect the decisions made in the design, use and end-of-life stages of
vehicles. Researchers within the project are studying the cases of Japan and
Europe with respect to end-of-life vehicle options and lessons that may be
applied to Canada, the current recycling infrastructure in North America,
and current barriers to the recycling of automotive plastics.
Project
Public Policy and the Automobile in Canada
Labour and Work in the Auto Industry
Project Leader
Dr. M. Molot, Carleton University
Dr. C. Yates, McMaster University
T H E M E B
Business/Economic Analysis of Canada’s Auto Industry
Anti-Social Behaviour and the Automobile
Young Offenders and Vehicle Thefts
Evolution of Life Cycle Assessments
Dr. J. Holmes, Queen’s University
Dr. P. Kumar, Queen’s University
Dr. R. Smart, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Dr. R. Mann, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Dr. R. Linden, University of Manitoba
Dr. H. MacLean, University of Toronto
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T H E M E C :
Materials and
Manufacturing

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Theme C: Materials and Manufacturing
Theme Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer Jackman, Natural Resources Canada
Thermal Coatings for Diesel Engines
The use of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) is common for heat protection of
jet engines in the aerospace industry, however their use in the automotive
sector is growing as researchers find ways to increase engine efficiency and
lower emissions of internal combustion engines. Dr. Javad Mostaghimi of the
University of Toronto is leading a team of AUTO21 researchers investigating
the development of ceramic and metal base TBCs for diesel engines. Metal
Based Thermal Barrier Coatings (MBTBC) have been conceptualized as a
new type of protective coatings because they can reduce the thermal conductivity
of engines due to the coating’s characteristics. Metal coatings would
avoid some of the cracking and delamination issues that plague ceramic coatings
due to thermal shock or thermal expansion coefficient mismatch with
the substrate, and lead to more efficient engines by allowing them to operate
at a higher temperature. The concept of MBTBC is considered as original and
patentable. The team has initiated the patent application process.
Project
Magnesium Casting Processes
Foam Processes for Automotive Parts
Polymer Composites
Sheet and Tube Forming
New Generation Steels
Project Leader
Dr. J. Wood, University of Western Ontario
Dr. A. Hrymak, McMaster University
Dr. F. Trochu, Ecole Polytechnique
Dr. M. Worswick, University of Waterloo
Dr. S. Yue, McGill University
T H E M E C
Advanced Manufacturing, Assembly and Inspection
Advanced Casting of Light Materials
Machinability
Welding and Joining
Tools, Dies and Moulds
Thermal Coatings
Composite Acoustic Materials for Noise and Vibration Control
Dr. R. Mayer, Ecole Polytechnique
Dr. J. Sokolowski, University of Windsor
Dr. M. Elbestawi, McMaster University
Dr. N. Zhou, University of Waterloo
Dr. D. Boyd, Queen’s University
Dr. J. Mostaghimi, University of Toronto
Dr. N. Atalla, Université de Sherbrooke
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T H E M E D :
Powertrains, Fuels
and Emissions

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Theme D: Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions
Theme Coordinator: Ms. Lisa Graham, Environment Canada
Fuel-Flexible Engine Offers On-Board Reforming Capabilities
Using alternative fuels often means modifying an engine, which can be
expensive. AUTO21 researchers with the Combustion Systems for Alternative
Fuels project are instead modifying the fuel itself. Using the engine’s cylinders
as an on-board fuel reformer, the researchers convert gasoline to a mixture
of hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike a regular engine cycle, not all of the fuel
is injected during the intake stroke – some is injected during the exhaust
stroke to mix with the leftover exhaust by-products to create hydrogen.
Initial numerical trials have shown this mixture provides better engine specific
fuel consumption than regular fuel. Researchers are continuing to investigate
the combustion process of this mixture using a variety of measures,
including a flat flame apparatus.
Honda Canada
Advancing the Way to the Hydrogen Economy
Following the 2003 call for proposals, AUTO21 added two projects to expand its
fuel cell/hydrogen research, bringing the total number of projects in this area
to four. Dr. Boyd Davis of Queen’s University is leading the project, Chemical
Hydrogen Storage Process Development, which is exploring the use of sodium
borohydride as a carrier for hydrogen in fuel cells. Investigators are especially
focusing on recycling sodium metaborate, a by-product created when using
sodium borohydride, back into a hydride that can be re-used as a carrier. The
other new project, PEM Fuel Cells and Related Technologies, led by
Dr. Xianguo Li of the University of Waterloo, investigates fuel cell components
and the entire power system in terms of optimal design, performance and cost.
Project
Combustion Systems for Alternative Fuels
Lean Burn Combustion for Reducing Emissions
Reformer Technology for Fuel Cells
Hydrogen Safety and Infrastructure
Electronic Controls for VVT and HCCI Combustion
Chemical Hydrogen Storage Process Development
PEM Fuel Cells and Related Technologies
Project Leader
Dr. A. Sobiesiak, University of Windsor
Dr. R. Evans, University of British Columbia
Dr. B. Peppley, Royal Military College
Dr. T. Bose, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
Dr. D. Checkel, University of Alberta
Dr. B. Davis, Queen’s University
Dr. X. Li, University of Waterloo
T H E M E D
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

T H E M E E :
Design Processes

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
19
Theme E: Design Processes
Theme Coordinator: Dr. Roy Pick, University of Waterloo
New Tolerancing Software Can Save
Design Time and Reduce Costs
Researchers contributing to the Design for Rapid Manufacture project at the
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières have developed an innovative new
computer aided tolerancing model that shaves time off component tolerancing
procedures and provides insight on the consequences of various tolerancing
choices. Working in close collaboration with researchers at the Université
de Sherbrooke, the group at Trois-Rivières has been investigating how computer
tolerancing of a part during the design phase can be optimized to
ensure the higher quality, reduced cost and faster production without compromising
its functionality. Current tolerancing software is primarily twodimensional
and requires multiple computational sequences to determine the
bounds of a tolerancing zone on a piece. AUTO21 researchers have developed
three-dimensional computer modeling software that is able to determine the
bounds of a tolerancing zone in one computation sequence with the same
accuracy and validity as current software, thus reducing the amount of time
spent on these tests. The software has been successful on simple components
and is now being tested on more complex parts.
Training the Next Generation of Braking Specialists
In response to the 2003 call for proposals, a new project was added to Theme
E. The Regenerative Braking Systems project, led by Dr. Steve Lambert of the
University of Waterloo focuses on the training of Highly Qualified People
(HQP) in these braking technologies. These systems are a key component on
electric hybrid vehicles, and it is vital that Canada have a pool of capable
young designers with experience in these technologies as their use becomes
more common in the automotive industry.
Project
Design for Rapid Manufacture
Regenerative Braking Systems
Project Leader
Dr. H. ElMaraghy, University of Windsor
Dr. S. Lambert, University of Waterloo
T H E M E E
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

T H E M E F :
Intelligent Systems
and Sensors

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
21
Theme F: Intelligent Systems and Sensors
Theme Coordinator: Dr. Denis Gingras, Université de Sherbrooke
Driving Simulators Analyze Driver Reaction
To Vehicle Systems And Sensors
Telematics systems and sensors can provide a wealth of information to a driver,
but drivers with different profiles will interact with them in unique ways.
Driving behaviour patterns of commuters, leisure drivers and the elderly
vary as each group has different requirements from their vehicles, so their
interactions will reflect these characteristics. The Canadian Automobile
Research Simulation, a new AUTO21 project led by Dr. Jeff Caird of the
University of Calgary and Dr. Ata Khan of Carleton University, is creating a
knowledge database of how different drivers react to and interact with telematic
technologies. The project is receiving up to $2.7 million in funding from
several industry and public sector supporters and AUTO21.
Better Map-Matching Approaches Tested In Calgary
Researchers working on the Construction of Integrated Navigation
Information Infrastructure project have developed a new map-matching algorithm
that uses High Sensitivity Global Positioning Satellites (HSGPS) to
improve the selection of the correct road link in urban areas. This can be a
tricky endeavour due to the levels of interference often found in these areas.
Using fuzzy logic and velocity information, the researchers were able to
determine direction to improve the reliability of map-matching in environments
where GPS solutions may be poor, even when using an HSGPS system.
Initial field tests in downtown Calgary provided results that were better than
standard map-matching approaches. The results of this project have gained
the interest of a major automotive manufacturer who is interested in using
current vehicle intelligence sensors for precise navigation purposes.
Project
Collaborative Driving Systems
Construction of Integrated Navigation Information Infrastructure
Project Leader
Dr. F. Michaud, Université de Sherbrooke
Dr. E. Cannon, University of Calgary
Dr. S. Wang, Université de Sherbrooke
T H E M E F
Interior Noise Environment of Future Automobiles
Dr. P. Masson, Université de Sherbrooke
Dr. A. Berry, Université de Sherbrooke
Canadian Automobile Research Simulation
Dr. J. Caird, University of Calgary
Dr. A. Khan, Carleton University
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

AUTO21
Network of Centres of Excellence
Board of Directors
Board Chair
Mr. James Miller
Senior Vice-President, Corporate Affairs
Honda Canada
Directors
Mr. Bruno-Marie Béchard
Recteur
Université de Sherbrooke
Ms. Anne Cool
Executive Vice-President
Algonquin Automotive Group
Dr. Peter George
President and Vice-Chancellor
McMaster University
Mr. Robert Hindle
President
Bob Hindle Associates Inc.
Mr. Norman Lockington
Vice-President, Technology
Dofasco
Mr. Gerry Lukassen
Director
Mr. John McDougall
Managing Director and CEO
Alberta Research Council
Dr. Jan Miller Polgar
Professor, Occupational Therapy
University of Western Ontario
Dr. Ross Paul
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Windsor
Mr. Blake Smith
Director of Environment
Ford Motor Company
of Canada
Mr. Ronald Watkins
Director General, Aerospace
and Automotive Branch
Industry Canada
Ex-officio members
Mr. Jean Saint-Vil
NCE Directorate Designate
Networks of Centres
of Excellence
Dr. Peter Frise
Program Leader and
Chief Executive Officer
AUTO21
Mr. Bill Woodward
Managing Director
AUTO21

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
23
Research Management Committee
Chair
Dr. Peter Frise
AUTO21 Program Leader and Chief Executive Officer
Members
Dr. George Adams
President and CEO
University of Toronto Innovations Foundation
Ms. Sandra Allin
Industry Analyst, Aerospace & Automotive Branch
Industry Canada
Mr. Jean Saint-Vil
NCE Directorate Designate, Networks
of Centres of Excellence
Mr. Geoff Clarke
President and CEO
Materials and Manufacturing Ontario
Mr. Gerald Fedchun
President and CEO
Automotive Parts and Manufacturing Association
Dr. Denis Gingras
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator
Université de Sherbrooke
Ms. Lisa A. Graham
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator
Environment Canada
Mr. William Harney
Chief of Research and Development
Intier Automotive, Seating
Ms. Nancy E. Hill
Patent & Trademark Agent
Hill & Shumacher
Dr. Jennifer A. Jackman
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator
Natural Resources Canada
Dr. Brian A. Jonah
Director, Motor Vehicles Standard and Res. Road Safety
and Motor Vehicle Registration
Transport Canada
Mr. James W. Lanigan
Senior Manager, Product Development Engineering
DaimlerChrysler Canada
Dr. Robert Mann
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator and Project Leader
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health*
Mr. Greig Mordue
Manager, Corporate Affairs
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
Mr. Bill Murnighan
National Representative
Canadian Autoworkers Union (CAW)
Dr. Patric Ouellette
Vice-President, Research and
Chief Technology Officer
Westport Innovations
Mr. R. Wyman Pattee
Manager, Vehicle Emissions & Fuels
Ford Motor Company of Canada
Dr. Roy J. Pick
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator and Project Leader
University of Waterloo
Dr. Anne W. Snowdon
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator and Project Leader
University of Windsor
Dr. Floyd R. Tuler
Executive Director
Centre for Automotive Materials and Manufacturing
(CAMM)
Mr. Bill Woodward
AUTO21 Managing Director
Dr. Charlotte Yates
AUTO21 Theme Coordinator and Project Leader
McMaster University**
* Dr. Robert Mann joined the Research Management Committee upon his appointment
as Theme B Coordinator in January 2004.
** Dr. Charlotte Yates resigned from the Research Management Committee following
her resignation as Theme B Coordinator in December 2003.
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

Scientific Advisory
Committee
Dr. Christian Burger
Professor & Director Emeritus
Texas A&M University, USA
Dr. Carol Joyce Haddad
Professor, Department
of Interdisciplinary Technology
Eastern Michigan University, USA
Dr. Gary Hawley
Research Leader, IC Engines
University of Bath, UK
Mr. Phil Pettitt
Senior Researcher
QinetiQ, UK
Dr. Philip Sklad
Program Manager, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Tennessee, USA
Dr. Richard Stobart
Professor, Automotive Engineering
University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
Dr. Claes Tingvall
Director, Road Safety
Swedish National Road Administration, Sweden
Dr. John Yates
Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Sheffield, UK
AUTO21
Administrative Staff
Dr. Peter R. Frise
Program Leader and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Bill Woodward
Managing Director
Ms. Sandra Bortolotti
Office Manager
Ms. Stephanie Campeau
Communications Manager
Ms. Rebecca Martyn
Controller
Ms. Lisa Ouellette
Administrative Assistant

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
25
University Researchers and Affiliations
Carleton University
Dr. Tullio Caputo
Dr. Ata Khan
Dr. Maureen Molot
Centre for Addiction
& Mental Health
Dr. Robert Mann
Dr. Reginald Smart
Concordia University
Dr. Rajamohan Ganesan
Dr. Suong Hoa
Dalhousie University
Dr. Mark Asbridge
Dr. Michael Gharghouri
École des Hautes
Études Commerciales
Dr. Christian Lévesque
École Polytechnique
de Montréal
Dr. Marek Balazinski
Dr. Rachid Boukhili
Dr. Pierre Carreau
Dr. Steven Dufour
Dr. Michel Gou
Dr. Marie-Claude Heuzey
Dr. René Mayer
Dr. François Trochu
Lakehead University
Dr. Michel Bédard
McGill University
Dr. Benoit Boulet
Dr. Pascal Hubert
Dr. Musa Kamal
Dr. Larry Lessard
Dr. James Nemes
Dr. Steve Yue
McMaster University
Dr .David Capson
Dr. Miky Dumitrescu
Dr. Mohamed ElBestawi
Dr. David Embury
Dr. Andrew Hrymak
Dr. Philip Koshy
Dr. Wayne Lewchuk
Dr. Eugene Ng
Dr. Tony Porter
Dr. Parminder Raina
Dr. Michael Thompson
Dr. Stephen Veldhuis
Dr. John Vlachopoulos
Dr. David Wilkinson
Dr. Charlotte Yates
Dr. Samir Ziada
Nipissing University
Dr. Lynnette Stamler
Queen’s University
Dr. Caroline Baillie
Dr. Douglas Boyd
Dr. Boyd Davis
Dr. Steven Harrison
Dr. John Holmes
Dr. Gregory Jerkiewicz
Dr. Kunal Karan
Dr. Marianna Kontopoulou
Dr.Vladimir Krstic
Dr. Pradeep Kumar
Dr. Louise Mallory
Dr. Patrick Oosthuizen
Dr. Keith Pilkey
Dr. Shigeo Saimoto
Royal Military College
of Canada
Dr. Phil Bates
Dr. David DuQuesnay
Dr. Brant Peppley
Ryerson University
Dr. Kamran Behdinan
Dr. Michael Chapman
Dr. Bhagwant Persaud
Dr. Khaled Sennah
Simon Fraser University
Dr. Paul Brantingham
Dr. Ash Parameswaran
Dr. Mehrdad Saif
Dr. John Stockie
Université de Montréal
Dr. Jacques Bergeron
Dr. Claire Laberge-Nadeau
Dr. Gregor Murray
Université de Sherbrooke
Dr. Noureddine Atalla
Dr. Alain Berry
Dr. Maher Boulos
Dr. Jean de Lafontaine
Dr. Alain Desrochers
Dr. Denis Gingras
Dr. François Gitzhofer
Dr. Patrice Masson
Dr. François Michaud
Dr. Kenneth Neale
Dr. Raymond Panneton
Dr. Denis Proulx
Dr. Pierre Proulx
Dr. Shengrui Wang
Dr. Djemel Ziou
Université du Québec
à Trois-Rivières
Dr. Kodjo Agbossou
Dr. Pierre Bénard
Dr. Tapan Bose
Dr. Richard Chahine
Dr. Jacques Goyette
Dr. Bohuslav Kokta
Dr. Luc Laperrière
Université Laval
Dr. Brahim Chaib-draa
Dr. Yunlong Sheng
University of Alberta
Dr. David Checkel
Dr. Brian Fleck
Dr. Paul Hagler
Dr.Charles Koch
University
of British Columbia
Dr. Akram Alfantazi
Dr. Yusuf Altintas
Dr. Gouri Bhuyan
Dr. Mariana Brussoni
Dr. Kendal Bushe
Dr. Steven Cockcroft
Dr. Hadi Dowlatabadi
Dr. William Dunford
Dr. Robert Evans
Dr. Philip Hill
Dr. Milind Kandlikar
Dr. Matthias Militzer
Dr. Anoush Poursartip
Dr. Steven Rogak
Dr. Douglas Romilly
Dr. Tom Troczynski
Dr. Reza Vaziri
University of Calgary
Dr. Jeffrey Caird
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon
Dr. Donald Kline
Dr. Gérard Lachapelle
Dr. Henry Leung
Dr. Robert Stebbins
University of Guelph
Dr. Belinda Leach
Dr. R. Blair Nonnecke
Dr. Lana Trick
University of Manitoba
Dr. Rick Linden
Dr. Michelle Porter
University
of New Brunswick
Dr. Wayne Albert
Dr. Guida Bendrich
Dr. Hossam Kishawy
University of Ontario
Institute of Technology
Dr. Ibrahim Dincer
University of Ottawa
Dr. Shawn Marshall
Dr. Frank Molnar
Dr. Hani Naguib
University of Regina
Dr. Raphael Idem
Dr. Jeffrey Pfeifer
University of Toronto
Dr. Nasser Ashgriz
Dr. John Balatinecz
Dr. Marek Balasinski
Dr. Beno Benhabib
Dr. Sanjeev Chandra
Dr. Mary Chipman
Dr. William Cleghorn
Dr. Thomas Coyle
Dr. Gabriele D’Eleuterio
Dr. Andrew Howard
Dr. Nancy Jackson
Dr. Heather MacLean
Dr. Shaker Meguid
Dr. James Mills
Dr. Javad Mostaghimi
Dr. Tom North
Dr. Chul Park
Dr. Mohini Sain
Dr. Murray Thomson
Dr. Ronald Venter
Dr. James Wallace
Dr. Zhirui Wang
University of Waterloo
Dr. Jack Callaghan
Dr. Stephen Corbin
Dr. Jan Huissoon
Dr. Fathy Ismail
Dr. Hugh Kerr
Dr. Steve Lambert
Dr. Xianguo Li
Dr. Roy Pick
Dr. Magdy Salama
Dr. James Strong
Dr. Costas Tzoganakis
Dr. Michael Worswick
Dr. Norman Zhou
University
of Western Ontario
Dr. Lyndon Brown
Dr. Ralph Buchal
Dr. Eric Buckolz
Dr. Hsi-Yung Feng
Dr. Jin Jiang
Dr. Janice Miller Polgar
Dr. J.B. Orange
Dr. Alan Salmoni
Dr. Robert Solomon
Dr. Evelyn Vingilis
Dr. Jeffrey Wood
University of Windsor
Dr. William Altenhof
Dr. David Andrews
Dr. Xiang Chen
Dr. Hoda ElMaraghy
Dr. Waguih ElMaraghy
Dr. Anne Forrest
Dr. Alan Hall
Dr. Peter Kwan
Dr. Bruce Minaker
Dr. Daniel O’Connor
Dr. Linda Patrick
Dr. James Potvin
Dr. Graham Reader
Dr. Greg Rohrauer
Dr. Alan Sears
Dr. Anne Snowdon
Dr. Andrzej Sobiesiak
Dr. Jerzy Sokolowski
Dr. Edwin Tam
Dr. David Ting
Dr. Patricia Weir
Dr. Ming Zheng
Dr. Biao Zhou
Wilfrid Laurier University
Dr. Pam Bryden
York University
Dr. Margaret Beare
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

Industry
Researchers and
Affiliations
Public Sector
Researchers
and Affiliations
Dr. Bobbye Baylis
Siemens Canada Limited
Mr. Alan Bernardi
Bell Canada
Dr. Michael DeBolt
Ford Motor Company
Dr. Jim DeVries
Ford Motor Company
Mr. Bruce Farrand
Dofasco Inc.
Mr. Frank Feng
Alcan International Limited
Dr. Michel Gambino
Istituto Motori
Dr. Alan Johnson
Eagle Precision Technologies
Mr. Roger Kaufold
Alcoa Technical Center
Dr. Ken Kendall
Aston Martin Lagonda Limited
Mr. Geofrey Kime
Hempline Inc.
Dr. George Lampropoulos
A.U.G. Signals Ltd.
Dr. Hua Liang
Dupont Canada Inc.
Mr. Jason McCarthy
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited
Mr. Eric Michaud
Centreline (Windsor) Limited
Mr. Daniel Morneau
LPM Technologies Inc.
Mr. Ron Murphy
Weyerhaeuser Company Limited
Dr. Patric Ouellette
Westport Innovations Inc.
Mr. Mihai Rasidescu
Bombardier Recreational Products
Dr. Edward Rode
QuestAir Technologies, Inc.
Mr. Nigel Scotchmer
Huys Industries Limited
Mr. Randy Shermet
ATOFINA Canada Inc.
Dr. Dedo Suwanda
Nexwood Industries Ltd.
Mr. Mike Thorpe
Stelco Inc.
Mr. Peter Tsantrizos
PyroGenesis Inc.
Dr. James Vanderveen
Siemens Canada Limited
Mr. G. Wang
Meridian Technologies Inc.
Mr. Christopher Wilson
DaimlerChrysler Research & Technology
North America
Mr. C. Armenakis
Natural Resources Canada
Dr. Steven Beale
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Mr. Douglas Beirness
Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF)
Dr. Daryoush Emadi
CANMET-MTL
Dr. Elhachmi Es-Sadiqi
CANMET-MTL
Dr. Alan German
Transport Canada
Dr. Patrick Girard
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Ms. Lisa Graham
Environment Canada
Mr. Denis Laroche
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Dr. Eric Maire
Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon
Dr. Pierre Martin
CANMET-MTL
Mr. Christian Moreau
National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Dr. Lynn Mytelka
UNU/INTECH
Dr. Tod Rutherford
Syracuse University
Dr. Richard Stone
University of Oxford
Mr. Leo Tasca
Ministry of Transportation of Ontario
Ms. Lyne Vézina
Societé de l’assurance automobile du Québec

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
27
Industry
Partners
Public Sector
Partners
A.U.G. Signals Ltd.
Aerospace Industries Association of Canada
Alcan International Limited
Alternative Fuel Systems
Aluminum Company of America
ArvinMeritor
Atofina Canada Inc.
Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)
Bell Canada
Bombardier Recreational Products
BTS Consulting Engineers
Canadian Autoparts Toyota Inc.
CAW/TCA Canada
CAZ Technologies Co.
CBI (Xtendex)
Centerline (Windsor) Limited
Centre de recherche sur les transports (CRT)
Century Products Co. Ltd.
Cobra Machine Tool
COMET Acoustics
Commonwealth Oil Corporation
Cooper Standard Automotive
Cosco Inc.
CRC - High Performance Composites
CRF Technologies Group Ltd.
DA Stuart
DaimlerChrysler AG
DaimlerChrysler Canada Inc.
DaimlerChrysler Research & Technology North America Inc.
Datec Coating Corp.
DeBeers International Diamonds
Decoma Inc.
Dofasco Inc.
DuPont Canada Inc.
Dynetek Industries
Eagle Precision Technologies Inc.
Element Six
First Technology Safety Systems
Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd.
Ford Motor Company USA
GE Diamond
General Motors of Canada Limited
Graco Children’s Products Inc.
Hempline Inc.
Honda of Canada Manufacturing Ltd.
Hymarc 3D Vision Systems
Infineon Technologies AG
Ingenia Polymers, Inc.
ISPAT Sidbec Inc.
Ivaco Rolling Mills
LPM Technologies Inc.
Magna International Inc.
Massiv Die-Form Automated Systems
MD Robotics
Meridian Magnesium
METRIS USA Inc.
Nemak of Canada Corporation
Nexwood Industries Ltd.
Novatube
Origin International Inc.
PyroGenesis Inc.
QuestAir Technologies Inc.
Raprocast
Recyc RPM
Sensor Technology Limited
Siemens Canada Limited
Soft dB Inc.
Solectron Corp.
Solidworks Inc.
Stelco Inc. (Hilton Works)
Stuart Energy Systems
Sulzer Metco (Westbury) Inc.
Tecnar Automation Ltée
TISEC Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc.
Tremcour Neutrotest Inc.
Triumph Tool Ltd.
Tyson Tool Company Limited
US Synthetics
Van-Rob Stampings Inc.
Westport Innovations Inc.
Westroc Industries Inc.
Weyerhaeuser
Woodbridge Group
Xilinx Inc.
Alberta Solicitor General
British Columbia Hydro & Power Authority (BC Hydro)
British Columbia Provincial Government
Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability
Centre for Automotive Materials & Manufacturing (CAMM)
Environment Canada
Essex, Kent and Lambton District Health Council
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Manitoba Public Insurance
Materials and Manufacturing Ontario
Ministry of Justice of Quebec
National Crime Prevention Centre Business Network
on Crime Prevention
National Research Council Canada (NRC-CNRC) -
Industrial Materials Institute
National Research Council Canada (NRC-CNRC) -
Institute for National Measurement Standards
National Research Council Canada (NRC-CNRC) -
Integrated Manufacturing Technologies Institute
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) -
Geomatics Canada
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) -
Minerals & Metals Sector
Ontario Ministry of Community Safety
and Correctional Services
Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Trade
Ontario Ministry of Energy
Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
Safe Kids Canada
Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI)
Saskatchewan Ministry of Public Safety
Société de l’Assurance Automobile du Québec
Traffic Injury Research Foundation of Canada
Transport Canada
Transport Canada Safety & Security
VON Windsor-Essex County Branch
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
Windsor-Essex County Injury Prevention Coalition
Windsor Regional Hospital
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

A U T O 2 1
Financial
Statements

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
29
F I N A N C I A L S T A T E M E N T S
n e t w o r k o f c e n t r e s o f e x c e l l e n c e

AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence
Balance Sheet
As at March 31, 2004
2004 2003
$ $
Assets
Current Assets
Cash (note 3) 2,470,271 3,158,610
Accounts receivable 15,000 16,586
Prepaid expenses 36,290 38,779
2,521,561 3,213,975
Property, plant and equipment (note 4) 197,805 247,923
2,719,366 3,461,898
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 28,470 67,712
Deferred revenue (note 5) 2,103,834 2,869,745
Contingency (note 7)
2,132,304 2,937,457
Net assets 587,062 524,441
2,719,366 3,461,898
Approved by the Board
Director: James Miller
Director: Gerry Lukassen

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
31
AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence
Statement of Operations and Changes in Net Assets
For the Year Ended March 31, 2004
2004 2003
$ $
Revenues
Government assistance - NSERC 4,346,126 3,974,884
Government assistance - SSHRC 1,448,709 1,324,962
Industrial research support 143,250 165,000
University of Windsor contributions (note 6) 159,203 164,933
Network support 31,400 10,000
Conference fees 25,166 21,575
Event sponsorship 67,240 53,116
Interest 44,997 46,620
6,266,091 5,761,090
Expenses
Projects (note 8) 5,028,236 4,584,145
Industrial research expenditure 143,250 165,000
Operating (note 6) 635,537 539,381
Networking 133,957 162,621
Network conferences 262,490 232,574
6,203,470 5,683,721
Net surplus for the year 62,621 77,369
Net assets - Beginning of year 524,441 447,072
Net assets - End of year 587,062 524,441

AUTO21 Network of Centres of Excellence
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended March 31, 2004
2004 2003
$ $
Cash flows from operating activities
Net surplus for the year 62,621 77,369
Adjustment for amortization 59,740 53,371
122,361 130,740
Net change in non-cash working capital
Decrease (increase) in
Accounts receivable 1,586 (16,586)
Prepaid expenses 2,489 (19,427)
Increase (decrease) in
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (39,242) 31,345
Deferred revenue (765,911) (192,346)
(678,717) (66,274)
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of computer equipment (6,656) (13,687)
Acquisition of furniture and fixtures (2,966) (6,471)
Acquisition of leasehold improvements - - (1,517)
(9,622) (21,675)
Net decrease in cash (688,339) (87,949)
Cash - Beginning of year 3,158,610 3,246,559
Cash - End of year 2,470,271 3,158,610

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
33
AUTO21 Network
of Centres of Excellence
Notes to Financial Statements
March 31, 2004
1. Nature of Operations
AUTO21, one of the Federal Networks of Centres of
Government assistance
AUTO21 follows the deferral method of accounting for
government contributions. These restricted contributions
are recognized as revenue in the period in which
the related expenses are incurred.
Excellence, commenced operations in fiscal 2001/2002
through an agreement with the Natural Sciences and
Financial instruments
Engineering Research Council (“NSERC”) and the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council (“SSHRC”).
AUTO21 has completed its third year of its initial sevenyear
research cycle and will undergo its first midterm
review in next year. AUTO21 has received letters patent
in accordance with Part II of the Canada Corporations
Act under the name AUTO21 Inc. AUTO21 has not
The organization’s financial instruments consist of
cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued
liabilities and deferred revenue. It is management’s
opinion that the entity is not exposed to significant
interest, currency or credit risks arising from these
financial instruments.
transferred its financial operations to AUTO21 Inc.
2. Significant accounting policies
Property, plant and equipment
Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to makes estimates and assumptions
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and
amortized over their useful lives as follows:
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities
and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
Computer equipment
Furniture and fixtures
Leasehold improvements
3 years straight-line
7 years straight-line
7 years straight-line
at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

3. Cash
Cash represents amounts held in trust by the University of Windsor in accordance with the host agreement.
2004 2003
$ $
Restricted cash 2,112,745 2,829,677
Unrestricted cash 357,526 328,933
2,470,271 3,158,610
Restricted cash represents government assistance received, which is subject to NSERC and SSHRC
expenditure eligibility requirements.
4. Property, plant and equipment
2004
Accumulated
Cost Amortization Net
$ $ $
Computer equipment 47,521 33,370 14,151
Furniture and fixtures 50,937 19,189 31,748
Leasehold improvements 265,017 113,111 151,906
363,475 165,670 197,805
2003
Accumulated
Cost Amortization Net
$ $ $
Computer equipment 40,865 18,518 22,347
Furniture and fixtures 47,971 12,159 35,812
Leasehold improvements 265,017 75,253 189,764
353,853 105,930 247,923

A U T O 2 1 A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 3 - 2 0 0 4
35
5. Deferred revenue
2004 2003
$ $
Balance - Beginning of year –
Government Funds 2,681,245 3,062,091
Contributions received from NSERC 3,807,750 3,689,250
Contributions received from SSHRC 1,269,250 1,229,750
Total Government Funds 5,077,000 4,919,000
7,758,245 7,981,091
Less: Amount recognized as
government assistance in year 5,794,835 5,299,846
Balance - End of year – Government Funds 1,963,410 2,681,245
Other Funds 140,424 188,500
Balance – End of year 2,103,834 2,869,745
Other funds include monies received from the Canadian Institute for the Relief of Pain and Disability held in trust for AUTO21
researchers and June 2004 Conference Revenue invoiced in the current fiscal year.
6. Contributions from
the Host Institution
In accordance with AUTO21’s Host Agreement with the
University, the University has agreed to provide
AUTO21 with annual funding and in kind contributions.
During the year, AUTO21 received funding and in kind
contributions from the University. The value of the in kind
contribution pertaining to the Program Leader’s salary
has not been recognized in these financial statements.
7. Contingency
AUTO21 is contingently liable under the terms of the Host
before March 23, 2008. It is not the intention of AUTO21 to
vacate the premises before that date.
8. Project expenses
Funds were returned to AUTO21 from several participating
institutions (universities). These refunds were
the result of one project ending, one researcher changing
universities and one researcher leaving a project.
The project expenses reflect the net payments less
refunds. Portions of the funds were redistributed in
the current fiscal year.
Agreement with the University of Windsor (“the University”)
to reimburse the University for reconverting all space facilities
presently occupied by AUTO21 in the event of relocation