Geely Auto Group, one of China’s leading automakers which is known for its focus on new energy vehicles, has selected Ricardo to assist with the development – right through to production implementation – of a new advanced transmission for range-extended plug-in hybrid vehicles. Key requirements for the transmission are high efficiency and competitive cost for high-volume A- and B-segment products.
The approach taken is highly collaborative and flexible, with co-located, joint teams comprised of both Geely and Ricardo engineers based both in the UK and in China. Not only does this support good internal communications and optimal decision-making processes, it will also help in meeting challenging time-to-market targets. In addition to the core engineering team, support will also be available from Ricardo’s technical centres in other locations including the Czech Republic. Ricardo’s involvement will encompass the mechanical design, control and calibration of the new transmission.
The collaboration with Geely builds on Ricardo’s strong track record in assisting a wide range of customers in the development of advanced transmission technologies, and successfully bringing them to production.
“Ricardo is pleased to have been selected by Geely for this important, new transmission programme,” commented Ricardo Asia president Gary Tan. “Geely is one of China’s most respected manufacturers for new energy vehicles, and it is a company that shares the Ricardo ethos of excellence in technology, engineering and innovation. We look forward to working in partnership to deliver this impressive range-extended plug-in hybrid transmission to market in Geely’s future products.”