Perth company Orbital Australia has been awarded a $440,413 grant to develop greener engine technology for Chinese automaker Changan Automobile.
Perth company Orbital Australia has been awarded a $440,413 grant to develop greener engine technology for Chinese automaker Changan Automobile.
Announced by Innovation Minister Kim Carr, the Green Car Innovation Fund grant will help Orbital to develop its FlexDI engine management and combustion system to be tested on engines and in vehicles for Changan Automobile.
FlexDI technology has the potential to deliver 'best-in-class' fuel economy for passenger cars and other applications. Orbital's air-assisted FlexDI direct injection technology will be applied to Changan's four cylinder petrol engine to produce a car that complies with new Chinese fuel economy standards.
Changan is China's fourth largest automaker with sales of 1.87 million last year. This year, Changan aims to sell about 2.2 million vehicles.
Senator Carr said the partnership with Changan Automobile was an important development in deepening ties with the world's largest auto making country.
"What this grant shows is the power of partnerships between the Australian Government, industry and international investors," Senator Carr said.
"Here we have a project that has the potential to support jobs while reducing harmful emissions on the world's roadways.
"Increasing the amount of Australian-made automotive products being sold in China and other major markets is an important goal for this Government - that is why I and Trade Minister Simon Crean visited China last year.
"The Australian automotive industry, and companies such as Orbital, has a vital role to play in developing innovative systems and components for green cars world-wide. Through programs such as the Green Car Innovation Fund, this role is being realised."
The $1.3 billion fund is part of the Rudd Government's $6.2 billion New Car Plan for a Greener Future - the most comprehensive plan to be devised for this vital sector.
The fund provides grants from $100,000 for projects that enhance the research, development and commercialisation of Australian technologies that reduce the fuel consumption and/or greenhouse gas emissions of passenger motor vehicles.
