Ricardo Expands Presence in North America with Registration as a Business Entity in California

DETROIT, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo Inc., a multi-industry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy, today announced it has become a registered business entity in California to provide greater support for projects on the West coast. With staff in Valencia, Calif., Ricardo will immediately begin work on two new projects, both in support of initiatives by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The team will initially provide consulting support with plans to expand into engineering and low-volume production services based on customer needs.

"With a greater California presence, we will support the development of zero- and near-zero emissions technology for cars and commercial vehicles," said Tom Apostolos, president of Ricardo Inc. "California is helping lead the push for efficiency and advancements in green technology, and we see this expansion as a perfect opportunity for Ricardo to better reach this important market."

Increased demand for Ricardo's world-renowned consultancy and engineering services is driving the establishment of a business presence in California. Ricardo will work more closely with customers located on the West coast to provide technological and economic analysis and be at the forefront to secure additional projects originating in the region.

Ricardo is working with companies across industry sectors to support the development of clean vehicle technologies and energy storage for multiple applications. The company's vast industry experience includes companies in the automotive, power generation, aerospace, commercial vehicle, marine, oil and gas, rail and motorsports industries, as well as many government organizations.

The company has targeted some California specific initiatives, which include; market analysis, commercialization strategies, and support of product development of alternative fuels such as bio-fuel, natural gas, hydrogen and electricity.

Additionally, Ricardo sees a great opportunity to support investors with technical and commercial due diligence analysis on companies, vehicle technologies and infrastructure. The company is also well positioned to provide a vast array of engineering support, including on-site assistance, to startup vehicle technology companies.

"Ricardo's coupling of management consulting services with focused technology expertise provides our clients a unique advantage and has helped drive growth into these new markets," said Scott Ellsworth, president and managing director of Ricardo Strategic Consulting, North America.

As mentioned, Ricardo has already secured two projects to be managed out of California. The first is a project with Quantum, who received a notice of a proposed award of a $1 million grant by the CEC and has partnered with Ricardo, along with Power Solutions International and The University of California, Riverside. The grant will fund the development and validation of a low-cost, multi-port fuel-injected (MPFI) natural-gas fuel system and engine with advanced controls, designed for Class-3 to Class-7 fleet applications such as buses, medium-duty trucks and port freight-handling vehicles. Ricardo will provide technical engineering support and strategic market analysis to the program. The second is a project with Electricore, who has received a notice of proposed award from the CEC for $750,000 to perform a comprehensive survey of the commercial PEV marketplace and propose value-based design options for standardization of battery systems.

About Ricardo plc
Ricardo plc is a global, world-class, multi-industry consultancy for engineering, technology, project innovation and strategy. With almost a century of delivering value, we employ over 1,900 professional engineers, consultants and staff. Our people are committed to providing outstanding value through quality engineering solutions focused on high-efficiency, low-emission, class-leading product innovation and robust strategic implementation. Our client list includes the world's major transportation original equipment manufacturers, supply chain organizations, energy companies, financial institutions and governments. Guided by our corporate values of respect, integrity, creativity, innovation and passion, we enable our customers to achieve sustainable growth and commercial success. Ricardo's U.S. operation, Ricardo Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Mich.  For more information, visit www.ricardo.com.

SOURCE Ricardo Inc.