Gunskirchen, Austria, May 7, 2014 – BRP and AVL will collaborate on a research project to develop for the automotive market a one-cylinder four-stroke combustion engine that is adapted to range extender applications.

“We chose BRP as our partner because of the expertise that the company can provide by combining advanced development, design, industrial engineering, tool-making, prototyping and production all at one site,” Frank Beste, Senior Program Manager, AVL.

The aim of the cooperation between BRP and AVL in the field of hybrid motorisation is to assemble a range extender demonstration vehicle based on a Rotax one-cylinder four-stroke combustion engine. With its unique manufacturing capabilities, BRP’s Austrian facility can produce small volumes of powertrains, unlike most manufacturers in the automotive industry, which represents a good outsourcing opportunity for automotive OEMs.

BRP supports the project by providing components, manufacturing and assembling of prototypes, which would be suitable for potential serial production. The integration of the range extender into the vehicle will be executed by AVL.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with AVL and expand our reach in the automotive sector,” said François Tremblay, marketing director, Rotax propulsion systems, BRP. “AVL is the world’s largest independent company for automotive powertrain systems, which helps BRP access this new market.”