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Latest ASX Release
31 October 2008
AGREEMENT WITH TATA MOTORS OF INDIA
Advanced Engine Components Limited ("ACE")
has agreed a Letter of Intent ("LOI") to enter into a ten year Purchase Agreement with Tata
Motors Limited ("TML") of India.
The arrangement will generate over
$30 million sales revenue in the first three years of commercial production. This estimate
is based on agreed minimum quantities and agreed sale prices for the ACE natural gas vehicle
systems ("NGVS"), related components and spares.
Pursuant to the LOI ACE will design,
develop, test and certify naturally aspirated and turbo charged natural gas ("NG") versions
of TML's four and six cylinder engines.
The engine developments, including
certification to Euro 4, must be completed by November 2009. TML's production and marketing
will commence in the December 2009 quarter ensuring full commercial production by the March
2010 quarter. This timeline is planned to coincide with India's regulatory requirement that
all new trucks and buses, in eleven major centres, be Euro 4 emission compliant by 1 April
2010.
TML will pay ACE for the development
costs upon successful validation of the NG engines to Euro 4 standard.
India is ranked third, by number of
NG vehicles, in the Asian region. TML, as India's largest automotive manufacturer, is the
fourth largest truck and second largest bus manufacturer in the world. TML has manufactured
and sold NG buses since 2000.
ACE is already well advanced in
India with NG engine development programmes for two original equipment manufacturers,
Escort Motors and Force Motors. To further benefit, from the many opportunities in India,
ACE is negotiating a formal joint venture arrangement with its Indian business partner
Vialle Alternative Fuel Systems Private Limited (refer ASX announcement 22 February 2006).
India, and TML in particular, is a
significant addition to ACE's existing development and sales arrangements in China,
France, Thailand, Indonesia, Korea and Australia.
The TML agreement is further
confirmation of ACE as a leading supplier of alternative fuel systems and components
to the Asia Pacific Region through innovation and quality.
For further information please contact:
Tony Middleton (Managing Director) on (08) 9209 6900; or
Email: shares@advancedengine.com
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