Flybrid Systems recently announced a technical collaboration with Magneti Marelli, part of the car giant Fiat group, to develop a new type of energy storage system for hybrid racing cars.
The collaboration will see both firms pooling existing technology and working together on new elements to further develop the cutting edge ‘green’ technology which uses a flywheel to save on fuel and help racing cars drive faster.
The deal was agreed in principle after bosses from Flybrid attended the Professional Motorsport World Motor Show in Cologne last November thanks to support from UKTI’s Tradeshow Access Programme.
And Flybrid managing partner Jon Hilton hopes that joining forces with Magneti Marelli – a firm with a global presence - will help them target new countries and find new customers in countries all over the world.
He said:
“Our attendance at that show was due to help from UKTI. They really help make everything easier. At the moment 95 % of our business is UK based, but this product has certainly got a worldwide application. We just need to get access to other markets.
“Magneti Marelli has a much bigger global spread than us so this collaboration will really help us take our product to other countries.”
Flybrid, which was set up just over two years ago, is also working with exclusive car maker Jaguar and the UK Government’s Technology Strategy Board on a £3.3 million project to develop its green energy storage system for the domestic market.
The technology uses a high-speed flywheel that stores the energy normally wasted as heat by the brakes when a car slows down. The energy can then be released to help get the car back up to speed.
Explained Jon:
“This is the same principle as a hybrid car, but is much greener than battery hybrid technology and carries a lower cost. In mass production we see this as being a cheaper alternative to battery hybrid cars, which is why we are working with Jaguar to try and explore its very green credentials.”
Ian Thompson, International Trade Adviser said:
“Flybrid Systems are the perfect example of how trade exhibitions can be an excellent way of meeting key decision makers, generating sales leads or gaining new business through partnership working.”
Any company wanting to increase their export sales should contact the UKTI International Trade Team on 0845 052 4001.
