Ricardo to partner Lifan in powertrain development

Chongqing Lifan Industry Group Co. Ltd (Lifan) of China has signed an agreement with Ricardo plc of the UK, one of the world’s leading powertrain, driveline and transmission technology providers, to develop a new family of car engines and transmissions. The proposed collaboration is aimed at providing Lifan with internationally competitive powertrain products and technologies to facilitate its continued expansion.

Part of a major investment programme by Lifan, the initial focus envisaged for the collaboration is the design and development of a completely new family of car engines of 0.8-2.4 litres displacement, new transmissions featuring technologies such as AMT and DCT, and support in the manufacturing implementation of these products.

Since its formation in 1991, Lifan has developed rapidly to become one of China’s most dynamic and successful industrial companies, with group export sales in 2005 of nearly US$300 million to 110 countries and regions. With its origins in the two-wheeler sector, the company has the capacity to produce 2.5 million motorcycle engines and a million motorcycles annually. In August 2003 Lifan announced an intention to enter the automotive sector and has now commissioned a new vehicle assembly facility on a greenfield site in Chongqing, China. In early 2006 Lifan went into production with its first passenger car, the Lifan 520.

Commenting on the appointment of Ricardo as its powertrain partner, 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."