Ricardo signs strategic co-operation agreement with Wuzheng Group to develop next generation agricultural machinery

Ricardo plc and Wuzheng Group, have signed a multi-year strategic co-operation agreement to research and develop electrification product solutions for tractors and agricultural machinery, serving global markets.

A global consultancy delivering strategic, environmental and engineering solutions that are at the intersection of transport, energy and global climate agendas, Ricardo has more than 100 years of engineering experience in improving mobility efficiency.

Responding to complex global challenges, for multiple global industry sectors, Ricardo delivers consulting services and solutions built on sustainable technological innovation.  
Wuzheng Group was founded in 1961, it has emerged as a leader in China’s agricultural and commercial vehicle industry and is rapidly expanding its global presence. Through a range of products encompassing agricultural machinery, cargo transport, sanitation and services, Wuzheng Group upholds a “User-oriented” business philosophy.  It is committed to driving innovative and sustainable solutions that spearhead economic growth and development of societies while fulfilling the needs of the product users.

Leveraging their combined and complementary capabilities, the strategic co-operation agreement will enable the companies to carry out in-depth electrification research and development: investigating new technologies, intelligent solutions and cleaner, more efficient powertrains to enable the Wuzheng Group to transform its agricultural machinery equipment product range.

Ricardo’s global network of expert automotive engineers and energy transition specialists will support the Wuzheng Group’s development of intelligent tractors and hybrid extended range tractors, and provide technical consultancy on the integration of intelligent power shift transmissions and the development of hybrid extended range transmission systems and power take-off mechanisms. The two companies will also look at the feasibility of co-operating on the development of high-end automatic transmission products for agricultural machinery. 

Jiang Wenjuan, General Manager of  Wuzheng Group, said: "Wuzheng has been an early pioneer of large horsepower tractors in China and also in new energy commercial vehicle technology. We are excited about collaborating with Ricardo to provide products that consume less fuel and make operations faster and easier for our agricultural customers."    

Jason Oms-O’Donnell, Managing Director, Automotive and Industrial at Ricardo, said: “Ricardo's track record in automotive engineering and research and development is world-renowned. Clients around the world trust our technical advice on innovative solutions to achieve cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems, particularly in hard-to-decarbonise sectors like off-highway. Given the complementary capabilities that we share, we are proud to have the opportunity to apply our expertise to work collaboratively with the Wuzheng Group to transform its product range and genuinely support next generation agricultural machinery through our strategic co-operation agreement.”

Get in touch if Ricardo can help your organisation deliver electrification programmes.

To arrange a meeting or an introductory call, contact: info@ricardo.com