British engine manufacturer Ricardo is to partner with Chinese car-maker Lifan in Ethiopia. Engineers from two companies have collaborated in producing a VVTI engine for the new Sport Utility Vehicle, Lifan X-60, produced by Lifan for the Ethiopian market. 
The agreement to design and develop an engine for the Lifan X-60’s was reached after months of negotiations between Ricardo and Lifan.
The new engine with electrical fuel transmission passages and 1800 cc power is expected to make the new Lifan SUV more powerful and fuel efficient in comparison to other similar vehicles on the market according to representatives of Yangfon Motors, Ethiopian subsidiary of Lifam Motors.The Lifan SUV is in the process of being checked for its suitability to the terrain and weather in Ethiopia to up to 22,000 kilometers said the representatives.
It’s expected that the vehicle will be available on the market within the next three to four months they noted.
The representatives from Lifan declined to disclose how much the new vehicle will be sold insisting on revealing the price tag when the vehicle is made available on the market.
Lifan plans to use the new engine for other models in its line in the near future according to the company representatives.
The company will also begin supplying spare parts to retailers here in Ethiopia as part of its bid to enhance its role in the Ethiopian market said the representatives.
Founded in 1992, Lifan Industry Group Co. Ltd with more than 13,200 employees is one of the biggest private-owned enterprises in China according to the official company website.
Source: The Reporter
