Ricardo and Force Protection Europe Unveil Ocelot: the Next-Generation in Defense...

Ricardo and Force Protection Europe Unveil Ocelot: the Next-Generation in
Defense Vehicle Performance and Crew Protection

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo, Inc., the US
subsidiary of Ricardo plc, the leading independent provider of technology,
product innovation and engineering solutions to the world's automotive,
defense, transport and new energy industries, has announced the launch of the
Ocelot, a unique collaboration between Ricardo and Force Protection Europe.
This revolutionary new light protected patrol vehicle (LPPV) concept offers
the potential for much higher standards of occupant protection and operational
flexibility than today's defense light vehicle products.

The new Ocelot LPPV vehicle was unveiled at the Defense Systems & Equipment
International Exhibition, the world's largest fully integrated international
defense exhibition, at the ExCel arena in London, England. Starting from a
completely clean sheet design, Ocelot brings together some of the very latest
innovations in automotive and defense technologies to deliver a highly
practical vehicle designed for deployment in the most demanding and hostile of
operational environments. Based on a modular design, Ocelot comprises a core
automotive armored spine or "skateboard" onto which one of a number of
alternative special to role "pods" is mounted. These roles include a patrol,
fire support or protected logistics vehicle and the pods are easily
interchangeable in the field as the need requires. The V-shaped hull
configuration formed by the combination of skateboard and pod, coupled with
the use of the latest in advanced composite technology, provides a practical
vehicle package with exceptional maneuverability, operational flexibility, and
unparalleled levels of occupant protection for a vehicle of its class.
Moreover the protection provided by the skateboard spine to its internal
automotive systems, provides a much higher level of operational robustness.

Commenting on the launch of Ocelot, David Hind, MD of Force Protection Europe
Ltd, said: "By designing from a clean sheet we have adopted a novel design
which is a complete departure from the standard practice of basing mine
resistant vehicles on a standard chassis design. We are confident that the
V-shape design of Ocelot means it not only meets today's blast resistance
requirements but those expected in the future."

Dave Shemmans, CEO of Ricardo plc, added: "We are extremely pleased to have
been able to work with Force Protection Europe to create this exciting new
vehicle concept. Ocelot offers a highly practical defense vehicle solution to
current and future operational requirements, while also providing unparalleled
levels of occupant safety against the very real and present threats of a
hostile theatre environment. This is just another example of how Ricardo is
able to work with its partners and customers to deliver the very latest in
automotive innovation and technology in truly exceptional defense vehicle
solutions."

A high resolution image of Ocelot is available for download from
www.ricardo.com.

About Ricardo
Ricardo, the Eco-Innovation Technology Company, is a leading independent
provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and
strategic consulting to the world's automotive, military, transport and new
energy industries. The company's skill base represents the state-of-the-art
in low emissions and fuel-efficient powertrain technology, and can be best
summarized: "Ricardo is Fuel Economy." Ricardo offers TVFE(TM), its Total
Vehicle Fuel Economy engineering service, to transportation manufacturers and
related government agencies worldwide to provide objective evaluation of all
available technologies to identify the most cost-effective strategies to
accomplish fuel economy and CO2 goals.

With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia,
Ricardo provides engineering expertise ranging from vehicle systems
integration, controls & electronics, hardware and software development, to the
latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and
fuel cell powertrain technologies. Ricardo's customers include the world's
major automakers and suppliers as well as manufacturers in the military,
commercial, off-highway and clean energy sectors. The company also serves in
advisory roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo's U.S.
operation, Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan.
Ricardo plc posted sales of $394 million in financial year 2008 and is a
constituent of the FTSE TechMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology
companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit
www.ricardo.com.

SOURCE Ricardo, Inc.

Frank Buscemi, The Quell Group, +1-248-649-8900, fbuscemi@quell.com; or
Anthony Smith, Ricardo Media Office, +44-1273-382710, media@ricardo.com