Ricardo-Developed Engines Perform Flawlessly as JCB DIESELMAX Sets New 350 mph Speed Record

Returning to the Bonneville Salt Flats with its FIA sealed engines, the JCB DIESELMAX yesterday broke the FIA international land speed record for a diesel vehicle for the second time in two days with a speed of 350.092 mph

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Aug. 24 -- The third speed record achieved by the JCB DIESELMAX in only six days, yesterday's success demonstrates the power and reliability of its Ricardo-developed engines. Speaking at the Bonneville Salt Flats as the new FIA record was announced, Ricardo Director of Diesel Engineering, Ian Penny, said:

"Today's record is a stunning achievement for the JCB DIESELMAX team, which includes many Ricardo engineers led by chief engineer, Matt Beasley. We are particularly proud of the flawless operation of the Ricardo-developed JCB444-LSR engines and their performance at full power with no smoke. This is a great achievement for JCB, Ricardo and the JCB DIESELMAX team, which has demonstrated the very best of British engineering."

With its North American headquarters in Van Buren Twp., Mich., Ricardo -- a world-leading vehicle system and powertrain technology provider for automotive manufacturers, heavy-duty manufacturers and tier one suppliers -- has been providing value through innovation and technology for 100 years.

Ricardo is the premium global deep-content engineering and management consulting partner for automotive, commercial vehicle and related industry sectors. The company provides complete engineering services from strategy through product concept, design release and validation, and all phases of the product lifecycle. Ricardo technical expertise lies in powertrain and driveline, vehicle engineering, hybrid and fuel cell technologies, controls and electronics, niche volume manufacturing and advanced simulation software.

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 $272 million in fiscal year 2005 and is a part of the FTSE techMark 100 index -- a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit http://www.ricardo.com/ .