Australian green engine technology for Chinese automaker 7 April 2010 Australian green engine technology will be developed for one of China’s largest automotive companies under an Australian Government Green Car Innovation Fund grant. In announcing the grant, Senator Kim Carr, the Australian Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, said that the funds were given to the Perth company, Orbital Australia, to develop its FlexDI engine management and combustion system. The FlexDI system will be tested on engines and in vehicles for China’s Changan Automobile company, the fourth largest automaker in the country. Minister Carr noted that FlexDI technology has the potential to deliver ‘best-in-class’ fuel economy for passenger cars and other applications. Changan Automobile will apply Orbital Australia’s air-assisted FlexDI direct injection technology to four cylinder petrol engines, producing cars that comply with new Chinese fuel economy standards. Senator Carr said that the Australian automotive industry has a vital role to play in developing innovative systems and components for green cars world-wide. The A$1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund is part of the Australian Government’s A$6.2 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future – widely regarded as the most comprehensive plan to be devised for this vital sector. Leigh Berwick, Senior Industry Adviser Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing for the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade), commented that the cooperation between Orbital Australia and Changan Automobile is indicative of strengthening Australian ties with the booming Chinese auto sector. “China is now the largest automotive market in the world. In the coming years, we will see a growing number of Chinese vehicles featuring advanced technology developed in Australia, which will greatly benefit consumers and the environment,” he said. More information |