Dr. Gerhard Schmidt, Chief Technology Officer of Ford Motor Company presented the certificate to Professor Liu during an official ceremony to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Chongqing University. The professorship term will carry on for five years from October 12.

At the ceremony, Ford also announced that it would commence three new joint projects with Chongqing University in the areas of lightweight materials and new energy applications. These collaborative projects will help promote new technology development, education, and recruiting.

"With the rapid growth of automobiles worldwide, the automotive industry is facing unprecedented opportunities and challenges in energy and environmental sustainability. Under this context, it is vital that we continue to work on developing technologies that further increase the efficiency of vehicles in every possible aspect," said Graziano.

Ford began its cooperation with Chongqing University 10 years ago, and has since carried out a series of successful joint projects in the fields of mechanical transmission, fuel quality, life cycle study of natural gas, and new energy applications.

In October 2008, Ford and Chongqing University signed a long-term strategic alliance agreement to increase collaboration on research, development and utilisation of automotive technologies. The Ford professorship and new projects announced today are part of the cooperation between the two parties under this agreement.

"Ford Motor Company has a long-term strategy for China. The alliance with Chongqing University is part of our commitment to grow together with the local community," said Graziano. "We believe such cooperation will help facilitate technological innovation and local personnel training and development."

Chongqing, the largest transportation hub in West China, is where Ford's passenger car joint venture in China, Changan Ford Mazda Automobile, is located. Two weeks ago Ford and its partners announced an additional RMB 3.34 billion (USD 490 million) investment to build a new state-of-the-art passenger car plant in Chongqing.

Schmidt (left) presents award to Ford professor Liu Qing.

Schmidt (centre left) and Graziano (centre right) at the official ceremony to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of Chongqing University.