MALAGA-BASED Automotive Technology Group Ltd has teamed up with ARE Engines Ltd to evaluate the fuel saving and lower emission capabilities of a patented engine technology. The Almasi Rotary Engine, invented by ARE chairman Mansour Almasi, will assess the performance using a four stroke prototype engine developed at ATG’s testing facility in Perth. Under the terms of the agreement, the engine is required to meet a minimum 30 per cent fuel saving and 30 per cent emissions reductions over a standard combustion engine, while maintaining an equivalent power output. “The global pressure to produce low emission engines that save on fuel consumption while maintaining power is only going to increase in the years ahead,” ATG executive director Steven Apedaile said. “If our prototype of the Almasi Rotary Engine meets expectations, then rapid commercialisation is a real possibility.” Mr Apedaile added that the federal government’s recently announced plans to create a $2 billion Green Car Innovation Fund might provide an opportunity for the commercialisation of the engine to be fast-tracked if the performance targets were reached.