Ricardo to help China’s Foton develop 1.0-litre petrol engine

Ricardo and Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd (Foton) of China have signed two contracts at a ceremony at Lancaster House, London, in the presence of Guo Jinlong, secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee and Member of the Political Bureau, and Sajid Javid, UK Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills.

Headquartered in Beijing, China, Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd or Foton designs and manufactures commercial vehicles, including medium and heavy-duty trucks, light-duty trucks, vans, pickups, and buses, and is one of China’s largest and most diversified manufacturers in this sector.

The first of the contracts, which was signed on June 19, is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Strategic Cooperation in Powertrain Products Development between Foton and Ricardo UK Ltd. The scope of the MoU covers vehicle platform planning, new technology research and analysis methods, new product development, powertrain integration and calibration support, troubleshooting and technology transfer.

Collaboration for 1.0-litre petrol engine
In addition to the MoU, a service contract was signed between Foton and Ricardo Shanghai Co Ltd. This contract will see the two companies collaborate on the development of a 1.0-litre petrol engine, through which Ricardo will help Foton improve engine efficiency and meet new emissions and fuel consumptions standards in China.

This engine is aimed at meeting EU6 emissions regulations, and is intended as an important product in enabling Foton to meet the new China Stage 4 fuel economy regulations. Ricardo will be mainly responsible for reviewing Foton’s design with relevant simulation-based activities, carrying out mechanical and performance and emissions development, and applying a particular focus upon evaluating NVH aspects.

The two contracts were signed by Ricardo CEO Dave Shemmans and Wang Jinyu, general manager of Beiqi Foton Motor Co Ltd. “I am particularly pleased to be able to sign these two contracts marking the start of a strategic partnership with Foton and the first engineering contract under the scope of the MoU,” commented Dave Shemmans. “These two contracts demonstrate Ricardo’s unique ability to provide the skills, experience and expertise of our global network of technical centres headquartered here in the UK, while providing local delivery through our expanding presence in China. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial strategic partnership between Ricardo and Foton.”

“Since its formation 18 years ago, Foton has been focused on the business of vehicle production and sales, targeting and delivering the best value for our customers,” added Wang Jinyu. “While we are already very successful in the Chinese market, Foton aims to become one of the world’s leading international brands for commercial vehicles and transport solutions. The strategic partnership with Ricardo and first engineering contract signed today are thus important in helping Foton to realise these international ambitions for growth.”