Ricardo celebrates 100 years and a ‘GREAT Collaboration’ with Mahindra
The ‘Ricardo100 Global Challenge’, showcases the history of Ricardo, its international profile and reach.
British automotive specialist Ricardo has organised the ‘Ricardo100 Global Challenge’, a world charity relay, as part of its 100th anniversary celebrations this year. The Indian leg of the global challenge is being driven in a 2015 model Mahindra Scorpio which has been provided by Mahindra.
British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG, hosted an event to celebrate the Indian leg and to commemorate the ‘GREAT Collaboration’ between the British and Indian automotive makers Ricardo and Mahindra. One of India’s premium sports utility vehicles, the Scorpio features the 5MT320 five-speed manual transmission which is the result of a design and development collaboration between Ricardo and Mahindra engineers. The first model with the feature was launched in the Indian market in 2012.
British High Commissioner to India, Sir James Bevan KCMG, said:
The UK is the world leader in cutting-edge design and innovation. From building the first sports car, the British motor industry has created many of the most recognised and coveted cars in the world. Ricardo’s relationship with Mahindra is a classic example of this. It is also a manifestation of the spirit of ‘GREAT Collaborations’ between the UK and India. As we mark the centenary of Ricardo, we also acknowledge the importance of ‘Designed in the UK, Made in India’. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too recognised the potential of our relationship and called the UK and India ‘an unbeatable combination to forge successful partnerships that can bring immense benefits to both countries’.
Ricardo employees are taking part in the relay to raise funds for local, national and international charitable causes. Ricardo has pledged to raise £15,000 in total donations.
Ricardo India President Mayank Agochiya, said:
It has been great to welcome the ‘Ricardo100 Global Challenge’ to India. Ricardo enjoys many longstanding business relationships with India’s leading companies such as Mahindra, who have kindly loaned us one of their vehicles for this section of the relay.
Following the reception, the Indian leg of the challenge will make its journey from New Delhi to the foothills of the Himalayas in Himachal Pradesh. The challenge will then move on to China, Japan and the United States, before its home coming to the UK in July.
Further information:
- about ‘GREAT Collaborations’
In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to the world to ‘Make in India’, the UK launched a campaign to celebrate and inspire ‘GREAT Collaborations’ between the UK and India. The campaign will over time showcase and promote areas of collaboration that benefit both countries across a range of sectors such as energy, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, ease of doing businesses, skills, smart cities, financial services and infrastructure.
At the time of the launch of the ‘GREAT Collaborations’ in January 2015 British Prime Minister David Cameron had said:
I am proud of the depth and breadth of the UK’s links with India. British companies such as Standard Chartered, GSK, Hindustan Unilever, BP and Vodafone have been making in India for decades. And companies such as Tata, Mahindra and CIPLA are operating in the UK and India, benefitting both of our countries. Through this campaign we want to inspire and showcase more such GREAT Collaborations across all the sectors we work together on. It underlines our support for Prime Minister Modi’s Make in India campaign and celebrates India and Britain making GREAT things together.
At the time of the launch Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, had said:
I am pleased that British industry, supported by its government, is responding enthusiastically to our call for “Make in India”. UK has been one of our strongest economic partners and a leading investor in India. UK is known for its strength in technology and innovation. India offers vast opportunities through its markets, skilled human resources, competitive economic environment and location. Our businesses also operate in the familiar context of democratic polity, rule of law, language and management practices. This creates an unbeatable combination to forge successful partnerships that can bring immense benefits to both countries. India’s new investment climate will, I hope, attract an even greater number of British businesses to set up manufacturing bases in India.
- Photos of the event are available here.
For more information please contact:
Stuart Adam, Head,
Press and Communications
British High Commission, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Tel: 44192100; Fax: 24192411
Mail to: Jagori Dhar
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