Ricardo to upgrade key engine for Russia's Gaz

Gaz Group says it will award the UK's Ricardo plc a contract to upgrade the UMZ-4216 engine to Euro-4 emissions standards.  Gaz makes vans, trucks, buses, cars, diesel engines, power-train parts and road-making kit and says it is Russia's biggest automotive firm.  In the UK, it owns van maker LDV.  UMZ-4216 engines made by Ulyanovsk Motor Works are used in Gaz Group vans.  "This contract win underscores our developing business relationship with Gaz Group, one of Russia's largest commercial vehicle and powertrain manufacturers," said Dave Shemmans, CEO at Ricardo.

Volcanic Ash Update

The latest information from the Icelandic Met Office states that the ash plume from Eyjafjallajokull briefly reached heights of up to 32,000 feet during Wednesday evening. The plume is being blown southwards, away from Iceland and to the west of Ireland. The ash cloud currently over southwestern Britain should clear away through the course of today. Issued at 0648 on Thu 06 May 2010.