VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., May 9 /PRNewswire/ — The KV6 went into production in China in December 2006 following an intensive program of production engineering, localization of component supply and commissioning of SAIC’s brand new 15 million pound Baoshan engine manufacturing plant near Shanghai. Ricardo 2010 Consultants Ltd was actively engaged in this program, which included upgrading of the design for its new application.

The KV6 engine has already proved successful in its first application, the Roewe 750, which was itself unveiled at the Beijing auto show in November 2006. SAIC Motor’s first product under its new Roewe own-brand, the KV6 powered Roewe 750 received over 7000 orders in the two months following its launch.

“We congratulate SAIC Motor on the award of ‘best engine’ at the Auto Shanghai,” said Mark Garrett, Ricardo group engineering and products director. “This is a well deserved award for what is a truly premium product in the Chinese market. We wish SAIC Motor every success with its Roewe brand and products.”

Ricardo plc: With technical centers in the UK, USA, Germany and the Czech Republic, and offices in Shanghai and Tokyo, Ricardo is a leading independent technology provider and strategic consultant to the world’s automotive industries. The company’s engineering expertise ranges from vehicle systems integration, controls, electronics and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world’s major vehicle, engine and transmission manufacturers, tier 1 suppliers and leading motorsport teams.

Ricardo is committed to excellence and industry leadership in people, technology and knowledge; approximately 70 percent of its employees are highly qualified multi-disciplined professional engineers and technicians. A public company, Ricardo plc posted sales of 173 million pounds in financial year 2006 and is a constituent of the FTSE techMark 100 index — a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) is one of China’s leading automakers. In 2005 alone it produced over 318,000 mainly GM-brand and VW- badged cars in China to international quality standards through its manufacturing joint ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen AG respectively. As such, SAIC is already a significant automotive manufacturer on the international stage and is growing rapidly: 2005 production was up 34 percent on the previous year. Yet as a major element of its forward strategy the company aspires to acquire the capability to develop world-class automotive products under its own brand, both for distribution in China as well as for export to major international markets. In 2004 SAIC purchased the intellectual property rights of the Rover 75 and 25 products of former UK automaker MG Rover, as well as the K series gasoline and G series diesel engine families.

Ricardo 2010 Consultants Ltd was formed and is currently managed as an operating subsidiary of Ricardo plc to act as the overseas engineering center of SAIC motor. Through its links with the wider Ricardo group it has ready- made access to specialist technology, design, test and development facilities — assets which are invaluable for state-of-the-art automotive product development. On formation of Ricardo 2010, some of the most talented and highly skilled engineering staff of the former MG Rover organization were recruited and the UK engineering team rapidly grew to approximately 150 staff, representing some of the best talent available from the former MG Rover and other automotive organizations, assisted by fellow engineers and resources as necessary from other Ricardo divisions.

In addition to its role in developing the first new products for SAIC, Ricardo 2010 Consultants is assisting in the development of processes and systems for SAIC’s growing in-house engineering organization, the Shanghai Automotive Engineering Academy (SAEA). It is envisaged that Ricardo 2010 Consultants will ultimately form the European development center of SAEA, focusing on advanced research and development and product adaptation for European markets.

Typically, the popular auto showcases are held by the International Auto Show in Detroit and the LA Auto Show, both normally occurring in January. This year LA’s show was moved to November which resulted in more participation than ever from auto makers. There were 21 world debuts and 14 American debuts.

The environmental theme this year definitely brought out the tree huggers and hippies LA is known for. I would like to highlight three of the most interesting of these eco-friendly models. Below are the three show stoppers that I feel deserve special attention.

1. Ford Escape Hybrid
This new electric motorized all t terrain vehicle outputs 70KW, 5,000 rmp, with a max voltage of 330V. It also has a 2.3 L Atkinson cycle using a 4-cylinder cranking 113 hp and 124 lb-ft, creating a combined 155hp.

2. Hummer 02 Concept

The winner of the California Design challenge, this was designed by GM’s West Coast Advanced Design Studio. It treads lightly on the ground and sort of looks like a Moon rover an astronaut would drive.

It transforms carbon dioxide into oxygen that is then released back into the environment by using algae-filled body panels. All the vehicle’s parts are made from 100% recycled after consumer products. GM also won last year’s competition in the same category.

3. BMW X5
This new, more luxurious descendent of last year’s model gives consumers two engine choices: 350hp 4.8 L V-8 or a 260hp 3.0L 1-6. All come equipped with All-wheel drive automatic.

Neil Lemons represents Chrome Pickup, an online retailer selling grille guards mud flaps nerf bars nationwide.

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You can also use credit and debit cards to buy tickets at kiosks (similar to movie theaters) conveniently located throughout the Javits Center during the Auto Show’s ten day run. And, as always, dozens of regular box offices will be open and available during Show hours.

To help speed the entry process, show management is adding more specially marked entrances for e-ticket holders and those who purchase tickets at the new walk-up kiosks. These special entrances will allow visitors to bypass the regular ticket entrances, avoiding possible delays.

Kicking off the springtime selling season, the 2007 New York International Auto Show will feature an impressive collection of cutting-edge design and remarkable innovation. More than four floors of displays from the world’s automakers will feature the newest vehicles and futuristic concept cars. More than 1,000 cars and trucks will be on display at the Javits Center, filling 846,000 square feet of exhibit space. In addition, dozens of World and North American vehicle debuts are expected at the Show. NYIAS is owned and produced by the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association.

For more information, or to purchase tickets for the New York International Automobile Show online, visit www.autoshowNY.com. Ticket prices are $14 for adults, $4 children under 12.