General Motors and the University of Michigan will continue their collaborative automotive research efforts through 2017, the automaker has announced.

The automaker has been working with graduate engineering students through the Collaborative Research Laboratory since 1998 in a partnership that has been fruitful for both entities. In 2011, students helped develop a process to ultrasonically weld battery tabs together that allowed GM to offer a 100,000-mile warranty on its lithium-ion battery pack in the Chevrolet Volt.

The laboratory's next project will focus on research into engine systems and advanced manufacturing, according to GM. Students will use state-of-the-art laser imaging diagnostics and conduct engine simulation studies to make the most of future, highly efficient engines with ultra-low emissions.