Delphi Automotive PLC (NYSE: DLPH) opened its newly combined advanced diesel injection and combustion technical lab here today.

The diesel injection and combustion lab brings together its diesel and gasoline research in a single location to take advantage of synergies between the two teams. Located within Delphi’s Customer Technology Center (CTC) the new lab will enhance Delphi’s ability to coordinate its research with customer advanced engineering groups.

Staffed initially by 40 scientists and engineers, the new lab also will support extensive Ph.D. and post-doctoral studies and projects by working closely with European universities and research institutions.

“Delphi’s goal is to help vehicle manufacturers deliver the same performance while satisfying increasingly demanding fuel economy needs and emissions regulations,” said John Fuerst, Delphi Powertrain Systems president. “The best way to accomplish this is to develop the most efficient injection and combustion with very streamlined systems. This will be the main focus of this new research laboratory.”

Additionally, the new research lab will look specifically at minimizing performance change over time, which is vital to ensure consistently low emissions and high refinement throughout a vehicle’s life. It will also further develop the technologies that support Delphi’s ground-breaking closed-loop control strategies.

Delphi held an inauguration event with officials from the Luxembourg government, customers and supplier partners earlier today. A technical conference will follow on Oct. 10-11 for customers, suppliers, universities and engine consulting houses.

The CTC Luxembourg also serves as Delphi’s Europe, Middle-East and Africa regional headquarters and Powertrain Systems divisional headquarters.