Ricardo Strengthens Powertrain Program Capabilities With New Manufacturing Technology Team

    DETROIT, March 21 Ricardo, Inc. announces the addition of
manufacturing technology to its design, prototype and development
capabilities, making it unique among U.S. powertrain engineering services
companies.
    This new manufacturing technology team, headed by Gordon Hensley, was
formed to assist OEMs manage new and existing powertrain programs in North
America.  The team members have successful track records in reducing the time
it takes to launch engine programs with this additional expertise in
manufacturing process, cost and electronic control engineering services.
    "Our team of manufacturing technology experts work in project centers, at
Ricardo, or at client facilities to develop and to optimize processes and
factory capital expenditure for new powertrain programs," said Hensley.  "Our
manufacturing technology services begin at the start of the product design
cycle and support programs through to volume production optimization, an
accelerated process that can take between one and three years, depending on
the scope of the project."
    Ricardo is currently supporting a number of new-engine launch programs by
technology partnerships integrated with large OEMs in the United States and
Canada.  Jeremy Holt, President, Ricardo, Inc., said "We see an opportunity to
add value to our customers on both new and existing design to manufacturing
programs."  The team comprises more than ten experts and is growing everyday
to help OEMs manage their changing resource requirements.
    Ricardo, Inc., is the U.S. subsidiary of Ricardo plc, founded in the early
1900s, with its world headquarters in the United Kingdom.  Ricardo has had a
presence in North America since 1989 and has technical centers in Detroit and
Chicago.  Ricardo, Inc.'s mission is to be the natural first choice provider
of technology and engineering services to targeted powertrain and vehicle
markets.  Ricardo's customer list comprises all of the largest automakers in
the world.  Visit Ricardo's Web site at http://www.ricardo.com to download an
electronic copy of this release.