| Ricardo has signed an agreement with Chinese
car maker Chongqing Lifan Industry Group Co. Ltd to develop a new range
of engines and transmissions. The collaboration will equip Lifan with
the products and technologies needed to compete in international markets
and further its expansion. The first contract placed under the terms of
the agreement is expected shortly.
The collaboration will focus initially on a completely new family
of engines with displacements between 0.8-2.4 litres and a range of new
transmissions, including dual clutch (DCT) and automated manual (AMT)
types.
Lifan, formed in 1991, has its origins in motorcycles and has production
capacity for one million bikes and two and a half million engines annually.
In 2003 Lifan announced its intent to enter the passenger car market and
launched its first model – the Lifan 520 – earlier this year,
built in its greenfield plant in Chongqing.
Commenting on the agreement, Wang Yan Hui, president of Chongqing Lifan
passenger vehicle Co Ltd, said: “This is a key strategic investment
for Lifan as we move to develop our automotive business and expand both
our market penetration in China and overseas. We chose Ricardo as our
powertrain partner because of its extensive experience of designing and
developing world-class engines and implementing them into production.
We also have future requirements for advanced transmission systems and
feel that Ricardo can offer Lifan a ‘one stop shop’ for both
of these key areas of the powertrain.”
Dave Shemmans, ceo of Ricardo plc, said: "Ricardo’s expansion
into the Asia , with this region’s high automotive growth, is very
exciting for the company. Lifan is a strong, ambitious organisation
with plans to develop its automotive product range and export potential,
and we are delighted to be working in partnership with this leading Chinese
company. We believe this will be the start of a long, mutually beneficial
relationship which draws upon our skills in engines, transmissions and
associated control & electronics technologies.”
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