Ricardo Strengthens International Technical Leadership with Key Appointments

Ricardo plc today underscored its commitment to further reinforce the technical product expertise of its international senior management team with the appointment of Don Irvine as director of the Global Vehicle Product Group and Dr. Peter Heuser as director of the Global Heavy Duty Diesel Product Group

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Dec. 20 -- Don Irvine joins Ricardo having recently returned to the United Kingdom from Spain where he was overseas program director for Nissan Europe NV. An automotive engineer, Irvine spent a number of years at both Motor Industry Research Association (MIRA) and Rover before joining Nissan, where he spent 14 years at the company's European operations. During this time he developed considerable and wide-ranging skills and expertise in vehicle engineering, including product planning and major program delivery. Irvine takes over as director of Ricardo's Global Vehicle Product Group from Bob Allsopp, who will now take managerial responsibility for the running of the Midlands Technical Center, one of the company's largest engineering facilities.

Ricardo's Global Heavy Duty Diesel Product Group is similarly strengthened with the appointment of Dr. Peter Heuser as its director, a role which he will combine with responsibility for all aspects of engine engineering for Ricardo in Germany. A mechanical engineer specializing in combustion engines, Heuser obtained his doctorate from the University of Aachen. He subsequently joined FEV where he specialized in areas such as variable valvetrain technology and was ultimately promoted to the position of manager for Advanced Engine Components. In 1992, Heuser co-founded specialist engine technology consultancy Meta Motoren-und Energie-Technik GmbH, where he was both partner and managing director.

Commenting on these two key management appointments, Ricardo Chief Executive Officer Dave Shemmans, said:

"It is important for Ricardo to attract the best talent to its senior management team both from within the organization as well as through external key recruitments. I'm extremely pleased to be able to welcome Don Irvine and Peter Heuser to the company and look forward to the valuable contribution they will make respectively in the areas of Vehicle Engineering and Heavy Duty Diesel technology."

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.

Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge. A public company based in the U.K., Ricardo plc posted sales of $274 million in fiscal year 2004 and is a part of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Electronic images of Don Irvine and Dr. Peter Heuser are available by contacting Leslie Dagg at +1-248-269-1122, or ldagg@bianchipr.com .