Ricardo signs framework agreement with China’s Sinotruk

Ricardo has concluded an agreement with Sinotruk, China’s biggest heavy-duty truck manufacturer, which will enable Ricardo to provide engineering support in the development of new products for Sinotruk.

The signing ceremony took place at Sinotruk’s offices in Jinan, coinciding with an event to celebrate the successful completion of the upgrade of the company’s HAEP WD615 engine which had been carried out in collaboration with Ricardo. As a result of this project, the new engine re-engineered with Ricardo now meets the Euro 3 emissions certification required in China and has been up-rated by 11 per cent to 400hp.

Founded in 1956, Sinotruk was China’s first as well its now largest heavy-duty truck manufacturer. The company’s core products include tractors, tippers, cargo trucks and other customised trucks such as concrete mixers, cranes and garbage trucks. In addition to vehicles Sinotruk also manufactures many of its own components including diesel engines. The company markets its products in more than 50 countries worldwide and over the past 5 years has enjoyed sales growth of over 60 per cent.

Mr. Ma Chunji, Chairman of the Board of Sinotruk attended the ceremony showing his great support to the collaboration between the two companies. Commenting on the completion of the HAEP WD615 engine programme and signature of the framework agreement with Ricardo, Mr. Cai Dong, General Manager of Sinotruk, said: “The successful completion of the WD615 engine programme with Ricardo has resulted in a significant improvement in performance as well as a reduction in emissions. We look forward to working with Ricardo as a strategic technology and engineering partner for product development as we develop our business both in China and overseas."

Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, said: "Ricardo’s continued expansion in China, with this country’s high levels of industrial and export growth, represents an exciting period for our company, its employees and its shareholders. Like Ricardo, Sinotruk has a long and proud history and shares our aspirations for applying the latest technologies in the development of class-leading products. The success of the WD615 engine project has shown the potential for what I believe will be a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Ricardo and Sinotruk.”