Australia’s Orbital Corporation and Bajaj Auto of India have announced an expansion of their licensing arrangements to cover liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) applications.
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In May 2004, the parties announced a technical cooperation agreement that will see Orbital’s fuel injection technology applied to Bajaj’s autorickshaw three wheeler vehicles. That agreement was directed to petrol-fuelled applications and this new arrangement will enable the addition of two new gaseous models to the three wheeler range.
In support of this expanded arrangement, Orbital and Bajaj have initiated a new comprehensive engineering program to introduce this technology on these two new models.
Bajaj, based in Pune, is one of India’s largest producers of two and three wheelers and dominates the autorickshaw market segment in Asia. The autorickshaw is the ubiquitous form of transport throughout India and much of Asia and is currently enjoying strong growth. The Indian market is increasingly emissions conscious with more stringent emissions standards introduced in 2005 and further strengthening happening in 2010.
The market is also very fuel economy conscious and Orbital’s direct injection technology provides significantly improved fuel economy and vehicle operating costs, in addition to desirable fuel flexibility.
The expansion of the technical cooperation agreement to cover LPG & CNG applications will provide Bajaj with the ability to satisfy the burgeoning market for gaseous powered vehicles.
India is making significant investments in the LPG and CNG delivery infrastructure and has mandated the exclusive use of CNG fuel for commercial vehicles in the city of Delhi.
Bajaj is currently conducting pilot fleet manufacture and field trials of its Orbital direct injection petrol-powered autorickshaws.
“Our Orbital equipped gasoline autorickshaw programme is progressing well and this expansion in to LPG/CNG is a natural progression to ensure that our customers can enjoy outstanding fuel economy and reduced emissions, along with improved drivability across a number of different fuels,” said Bajaj managing director Rajiv Bajaj.
“We are very happy with this expansion of our relationship with Bajaj, who have a very innovative and creative engineering group,” said Orbital chief executive officer Rod Houston.
“This is a key step along a new road to the development of new gaseous products based on our core technology which enhances royalty and engineering opportunities.”
