The Pune-based automobile manufacturer Force Motors and Rolls-Royce Power Systems have agreed to form a joint venture - Force MTU Power Systems Pvt Ltd – for producing MTU’s renowned 10 and 12-cylinder Series 1600 units with power outputs from 545 to 1050HP (400 to 800 KWm) in India. Series 1600 engines are particularly suitable for power generation and rail underfloor applications.

Two companies will invest more than Rs 300 crore (Euro 40 million) in the JV – in which Force Motors will hold 51% stake with the remaining 49% stake to be held by Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Prasan Firodia, Managing Director of Force Motors, said, “It’s a matter of great pride and honour for us that Rolls-Royce Power Systems has chosen to partner with Force Motors not only for production of engines but also for production and engineering of the whole genset system. This tie-up comes after our successful cooperation with Mercedes and BMW and will open up numerous opportunities for growth and diversification. I see exciting times ahead, since we are set to play a pivotal role in bringing to India and making in India cutting-edge, top-of-the-line engines for multiple applications.”

Besides manufacturing Series 1600 units, the JV will also build Series 1600 generator sets for the Indian and global markets. Generator sets built and supplied by the JV to customers in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka will carry the ‘Force - MTU’ brand while those destined for the rest of the world will be sold under the name 'MTU Onsite Energy’. The engines will continue to have the brand MTU.

To meet Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ exacting standards, the JV is to build a dedicated state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune. The facility will be equipped with nearly all core functions and is to operate as a stand-alone enterprise. The new factory is expected to launch serial production by the third quarter of 2019. The JV will use Force Motors’ expertise to lead localisation efforts and aims to achieve consistently high local content without compromising on quality. The JV will handle sales and service of Series 1600 generator sets for end users in India, Nepal and Sri Lanka territory, while Rolls-Royce Power Systems will handle sales and service in the Rest of World territory.

Andreas Schell, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, said: “This joint venture opens new opportunities for a bright future with our Series 1600 products. Our joint venture combines the strengths of the two partners: Rolls-Royce Power Systems’ cutting-edge technology in reciprocating off-highway engines, and Force Motors’ long-standing experience in top quality manufacturing with access to the Indian market. For us, it’s the perfect fit.”