Ford Premier Automotive Group and the Warwick Manufacturing Group – based at Warwick University - has entered a partnership to co-operate on training, research and develop and supply chain issues.

Joint project teams are to be established in order, the two parties say, to “ensure a sharing of expertise and best practice”.

PAG president Dr Wolfgang Reitzle said: “We have ambitious plans to increase production from the current annual level of 800,000 vehicles. The quality of those products is of critical importance to us and to the customer. Warwick University is one of the country's finest centres of excellence.”

And Prof Kumar Bhattacharyya, Warwick Manufacturing Group director, said: “The motor industry has faced tough competition over the past few years and we care constantly stressing the importance of premium products to ensure the prosperity of the motor industry.”

PAG consists of Aston Martin, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln and Volvo.