Low carbon technology specialists, Connaught, is set to help troubled vanmaker LDV back on to the road to recover.

Connaught is working with representatives at Midlands- based LDV to support their desire to achieve a viable future for the company and a swift return to production.

Established in 2003, Connaught Engineering was formed with a vision of delivering carbon neutral transportation. The business is focussing on products that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the commercial vehicle sector, within which LDV operates.

The first product to market developed by Connaught is the patented HYBRID+ system, a KERS technology that is proven in independent tests to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 24.7 per cent on diesel engines. A number of blue chip companies in the UK have undertaken trials of this retrofit technology.

LDV entered administration last week, but now the company has three potential buyers lined up, its administrators, PricewaterhouseCoopers confirm.

The opportunity to fit HYBRID+ to the LDV platforms offers a unique business case for LDV, in supplementing the company’s already green credentials, with a production ready hybrid variant suitable for installation across the range.

The Connaught team consists of industry professionals with expertise and a proven track record within automotive sector, with skills ranging from product concept and styling through to production and marketing with strong links with the US. The company has introduced advisors specialising in fund raising to the administrators.

Tony Martindale, Connaught CEO said: “Through joint collaboration and government support, LDV can grow to be a jewel in the crown within the European automotive sector, once unshackled from the traditional approach to UK manufacturing, and by embracing world class low carbon technologies developed in Britain.”

 It’s not just the valleys that are green in Wales – now it’s the cars too as the country plays host to the UK’s first national low carbon vehicle event.

Five of the country’s leading alternative transport companies will gather for the one day event at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire for the invitation-only showcase that is likely to attract more than 800 policymakers and industry experts.

Wales will feature heavily at the event with five representatives of its own including:

• Atraverda Ltd, which has developed a lighter ceramic material to replace heavy lead components;
• Connaught Engineering, which has developed the world’s only retrofit braking system which can save up to 25 per cent on fuel;
• The Narrow Car Company which has developed the two-seat NARO car;
• The Hydrogen Bus, the world’s first Tribrid minibus;
• And Stevens Vehicles, a Port Talbot company that has developed zero emission cars and vans that can travel for 50 miles on less than £1.

Economy and transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones described Wales’ efforts as groundbreaking and stated that the country is making an important contribution towards the creation of a green automotive industry.

Connaught Engineering Ltd, have released exciting test results for their HYBRID+ carbon reduction technology.

Tested in a government approved emissions facility at Millbrook, in Bedfordshire, the HYBRID+ system reduced the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on a Ford Transit by more than predicted. The world’s first commercially available retro-fit system provides fleet users with a cost effective way to reduce carbon emissions and fuel usage whilst retaining the operational performance of their fleet. The patented system is available now and is being specified by an increasing number of high profile, blue chip companies with a focus on reducing their carbon footprint and operating costs.

The full test results are as follows, measured as a percentage reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel usage:-

The Artemis or CADC cycle is derived from the EU project Artemis ( European 5th framework project – Assessment of transport emissions and inventory systems.)

CADC(Artemis) Urban = 18%
CADC(Artemis) Road = 11.5%
CADC(Artemis) Combined = 15%

New European Drive Cycle
NEDC = 10%

*T2 City Drive Cycle = 24.7%

These impressive results are achieved with no measurable increase in the other critical (or regulated) hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides emissions.

Fitted within a day, HYBRID+ is available from £2750.00 + VAT and the original manufacturer’s warranty remains unaffected.

For further information visit www.connaughtengineering.com.