Australia, Perth
Orbital Corporation Limited and Bajaj Auto Ltd, India have announced an
expansion of their licensing arrangements to cover compressed natural
gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum gas (LPG) applications. 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 gasoline 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 the
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 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 says their direct injection technology provides
significantly improved fuel economy and vehicle operating costs, in
addition to fuel flexibility.
The expansion of the Technical Cooperation Agreement to cover CNG &
LPG applications will provide Bajaj with the ability to satisfy the
burgeoning market for gaseous powered vehicles. India is making
significant investments in the CNG & LPG 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 gasoline powered autorickshaws.
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