Orbital granted $440K for FlexDI

AUSTRALIA’S Orbital Corporation will apply its FlexDI induction system to a range of new four-cylinder models from China’s Changan Automobile, with the help of a $440,413 grant from the federal government.

Orbital last May announced a $2.4 million 18-month proof-of-concept development contract to fit its Australian designed air-assisted direct-injection system to Changan’s current petrol engine family at its Perth engineering centre.

Today federal industry minister Kim Carr announced the Rudd government’s $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund would fund the project to the tune of almost half a million dollars.

“What this grant shows is the power of partnerships between the Australian government, industry and international investors,” said Senator Carr.

“Here we have a project that has the potential to support jobs while reducing harmful emissions on the world’s roadways.

“Increasing the amount of Australian-made automotive products being sold in China and other major markets is an important goal for this government – that is why I and trade minister Simon Crean visited China last year.



Left: Changan Benni. Below: Orbital FlexDI engine.

“The Australian automotive industry, and companies such as Orbital, has a vital role to play in developing innovative systems and components for green cars world-wide. Through programs such as the Green Car Innovation Fund, this role is being realised.”Orbital says its patented FlexDI engine management and combustion system delivers best-in-class fuel consumption and is adaptable to suit almost everything from heavy fuels to hydrogen.

The Perth company’s advanced ignition/induction system has been used in outboard marine, motorcycle and ATV engine applications since 2000.

Part of the federal government’s $6.2 billion automotive industry package, the GCIF provides grants from $100,000 for projects that “enhance the research, development and commercialisation of Australian technologies that reduce the fuel consumption and/or greenhouse gas emissions of passenger motor vehicles”.

Changan was established in 1996 and produces a range of passenger and commercial vehicles for the world’s largest automotive market. It is now China’s fourth-largest auto-maker with sales of 1,869,800 last year. This year, Changan aims to sell about 2.2 million vehicles.