OREANDA-NEWS. July 21, 2008. As a result of evaluating the submitted bids, decision was made in favor of cooperation with one of Europe's leading engineering companies Ricardo UK Ltd., reported the press-centre of GAZ Group.

In the near future OAO UMZ will enter into a contract with Ricardo UK Ltd who will perform detailed analysis of technical feasibility of upgrading the UMZ-4216 engine to a level conforming with advanced Euro-4 norms. This phase of work will be completed by the end of 2008.

At present UMZ-4216 engines manufactured by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are installed on GAZelle light commercial vehicles of GAZ Group. The engine's main advantage is maximum torque at low rpms which gives the vehicle good acceleration and maneuverability.

Ricardo UK LTD – one of world automotive industry's leading engineering companies. Its extensive network of affiliates, engineering and service centers covers both Europe (UK, Germany and Czech Republic) and the USA and even Asia (India). Ricardo UK LTD specializes in product development, innovations and strategic consulting. Over the almost 100 years of existence the company has built up huge expertise in the area of power train design and re-engineering, including a successful track record of working with Renault Trucks.