“Clemson University – International Center for Automotive Research”

May 6, 2008: In 2004 Bob Geolas joined the team at Clemson University-International Center for Automotive Research, better known as CU-ICAR, as the Executive Director. At that time the facility was no more than 250 acres of land waiting to be developed into a world class research and development site for automotive manufactures from all over the globe! The vision of CU-ICAR is “to be the premier automotive and motor-sports research and educational facility in the world.”

Bob recognizes the vision statement is bold and he’s committed to bringing it to fruition. The impact of CU-ICAR for the state of South Carolina and the whole southeastern region of the United States is massive. Bob and his team believe we must build a state of the art research and development facility to maintain automotive manufactures and attract new ones. His goal is to work with local chambers all over the state to provide value to companies that are considering bringing their operations to South Carolina.

To ensure this goal becomes a reality, Bob has spent the last four years primarily focused on the physical development of the CU-ICAR campus. At the time of completion the facility will consist of five “technology neighborhoods” and be the ideal mix of the “traditional living research park and the new generation research park.” CU-ICAR will be the “next generation in research parks, the common denominator linking industry and university”. The facility will link university and business to promote constant interaction, will be program driven versus real estate driven and the staff will be composed of economic professionals.

Today a portion of the campus is already complete and is, in fact, a “Research Campus” not a traditional research park. CU-ICAR embraces campus culture, campus programs drive development, the environment is diverse, the design promotes interaction and relationships are key! Companies like Timken and BMW are already on site at the CU-ICAR campus and share that the excitement and facilities have made hiring the best employees easier.

The buildings at CU-CAR are no less than the best themselves, all being constructed at “gold level standard” both in design and environmental impact. The facility is the first of its kind to house all laboratories on one floor, and the class rooms and technology are state of the art. In Bob Geolas’ words: “It will be a showplace that will attract people from around the world, becoming a model for engineering advances as well as economic development. We’re talking about a place that will push the forefront of technology opportunities for our faculty and our students. It’s a great reflection of the talents and skills at Clemson as well as Greenville”. CU-ICAR will also be available for community events and university events.

Submitted by Elizabeth Wooten Burwell, Keyway Committee