Ricardo Completes Expansion of Heavy-Duty Engine Emissions Test Cell Facility

BURR RIDGE, Ill., Oct. 26, 2004 -- Ricardo, Inc., one of the world's foremost independent vehicle system and powertrain engineering consulting companies, today announced the completion of its Chicago Technical Center Test Cell Expansion Project -- which represents an investment of $4.8 million and strategically increases the company's North American heavy- duty engine performance and emission testing and development capabilities.

The heavy-duty emissions test cells, now fully operational, were specifically designed to carry out engine development to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission requirements for 2007 and beyond.

"This investment reinforces Ricardo's commitment to provide comprehensive, leading-edge engineering, development and testing services to our clients," said Jeremy W. Holt, president of Ricardo, Inc. and executive director of Ricardo plc. "The heavy-duty sector is an important element of our overall business strategy, which explains our ongoing investments. This expanded facility will enable Ricardo to provide unparalleled support to our clients, at a time when they are facing the toughest emissions challenges ever."

The completion of these advanced test facilities augments Ricardo's broad range of heavy-duty engine engineering capabilities, which include design, structural and thermofluids system analysis, performance, emissions and mechanical development, aftertreatment systems, and controls systems expertise.

With the expanded capabilities, Ricardo engineering teams can take engine projects from conceptual design through to production launch. The company additionally provides comprehensive vehicle engineering capabilities to the heavy-duty sector, with a focus on chassis systems engineering, controls/electronics and powertrain systems integration.

While diesel engines are the primary target of the expansion project, Ricardo's facility is also equipped for heavy-duty natural gas, dual-fuel and gasoline engines and for serving on- and off-highway markets -- including trucking, agriculture, construction, marine, government and military.

The first phase of the expansion project (completed in late 2001) included a new full dilution constant volume sampling (CVS) tunnel, dilute exhaust analytical instrumentation and engine and dynamometer control software meeting the requirements of the U.S. Federal Test Procedure and other transient emissions cycles.

The project just completed added two additional test cells, one featuring a fast-response, heavy-duty AC dynamometer capable of absorbing up to 750hp and the second featuring a similar machine rated at 600hp - both with transient drive-cycle capability.

The facility also utilizes the STARS control and data acquisition system developed by a partnership of Schenck, Ricardo and Horiba, which was recently specified by the EPA for their new heavy-duty transient emissions facility in Ann Arbor, Mich.

Schenck Development Test Systems, represented by the North American companies Schenck Pegasus Corp. and Interautomation Inc., supplied system integration services, and foot mounted DYNAS3 dynamometers. Horiba Instruments supplied the emissions equipment -- including two new raw and dilute gas emissions benches, plus upgrades to the CVS dilute gaseous and particulate measurement systems in line with the latest EPA requirements.

With its North American headquarters in Van Buren Twp., Mich., Ricardo has been a world-leading vehicle system and powertrain technology provider for automotive manufacturers, heavy-duty manufacturers and tier one suppliers since 1915.

The company provides expertise ranging from designing and developing engines, transmissions and drivelines, to integrating vehicle systems and creating software solutions, to developing gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell technology.

A public company based in the U.K., Ricardo plc posted sales of $226 million in fiscal year 2003 and is a part of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.