Ricardo to upgrade key engine for Russia’s GAZ

GAZ Group, Russia's largest automotive manufacturer of light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, cars, diesel engines, power-train components and road construction equipment, has announced that it will award Ricardo the contract to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards.

The contract win was secured in a competitive bidding process, and will see Ricardo cooperating with GAZ’s OAO UMZ subsidiary. At present, UMZ-4216 engines manufactured by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are installed on GAZelle light commercial vehicles of GAZ Group. One of the engine's main advantages is its high torque at low speed, which gives the vehicle good acceleration and manoeuvrability in light commercial vehicle applications. The first phase of the upgrade programme will involve a detailed analysis by Ricardo of the technical feasibility of upgrading the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions levels. This phase of work will be completed by the end of 2008.

Commenting on this new contract with GAZ, Ricardo plc CEO, Dave Shemmans, said: “This contract win underscores our developing business relationship with GAZ Group, one of Russia’s largest commercial vehicle and powertrain manufacturers. It also demonstrates the growing importance of the Russian market to Ricardo, as the country seeks to upgrade its automotive industry and technology to become a leading player on the world stage. We are delighted to have secured this contract and look forward to working with GAZ on this exciting programme.”