Michael Andretti announces formation of Andretti Technologies
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| Michael Andretti's racing empire continues to grow |
With the inaugural season of the FIA Formula E Championship coming to a close in the heart of London this weekend, U.S.-based Andretti Formula E has unveiled a first look at manufacturing technology plans for Season Two with the formation of Andretti Technologies, an independent company within the racing empire of Andretti Autosport Holding Company.
"I am happy to announce the creation of Andretti Technologies," said Michael Andretti. "As a racer, the automotive and motorsport industries as a whole have always been of great interest and a passion of mine. Having the opportunity to build on my racing background and provide an outlet for developing dynamic and sustainable clean-energy solutions not only exciting, but something I'm very proud of."
With a primary focus on developing the new powertrain technology that Andretti Formula E will begin utilizing in the second season of Formula E competition and carry to future seasons, Andretti Technologies will also lead various innovation and advanced engineering projects for the family of Andretti race teams while striving to meet the future transportation needs of an ever-evolving world both within and outside of motorsport.
As the advanced engineering arm of the Michael Andretti-led company, Andretti Technologies has partnered with TE Connectivity – who most recently joined Andretti's IndyCar partnership portfolio for the 2015 Indianapolis 500® – for a customized Formula E testing and trackside support program. Integration and collaboration between the two companies will utilize TE Connectivity technology and engineering support within the Andretti Technologies Formula E powertrain development program. Through the technical partnership, the Formula E test car and trackside support program will prominently feature TE Connectivity brand integration across all test program assets.
"We are very excited about the new partnership between Andretti Technologies and TE," said Roger Griffiths, Director of Motorsport Development, Andretti Technologies. "We believe we have found a company that not only matches our passion for innovation and engineering in the arena of electrified vehicles but also shares our competitive spirit on the track too. A relationship that originally started on the racetrack in Indianapolis and has grown ever since, we are very proud to have TE continue to be part of the Andretti family."
Added Rob Shaddock, executive vice president and Chief Technology Officer, TE Connectivity, "TE's connectivity and sensor products are critical to unleash advancements in technology that improve electric vehicle distance and performance. We are proud to work in close collaboration with Andretti Technologies to develop the next generation of electric vehicle technology."
In addition to TE Connectivity serving as the official technology partner, Andretti Technologies has identified leading companies within other technology and advanced engineering industries to serve as key partners in the endeavor; these include Houston Mechatronics Inc, an advanced robotics, automation and intelligent systems engineering company and Purdue University, Indiana, one of the leading Electrical Engineering universities in the United States
In January, Andretti Technologies was successfully granted manufacturing status by the FIA to develop powertrain solutions for Season Two and beyond of the all-electric FIA Formula E Championship; Andretti Technologies will serve as one of eight manufacturers to enter Formula E next season as constructors. Formula E Season Two opens up development to the powertrain with specific focus on the e-motor, inverter and transmission.
This weekend's Championship finale doubleheader will see the pair of Andretti Formula E cars in the TE Connectivity orange livery that will also adorn the team's test car through the developmental testing program.
ABOUT ANDRETTI TECHNOLOGIES
The advanced technology arm of racing enterprise Andretti Autosport, Andretti Technologies was founded in early 2015 with the primary focus of developing dynamic and sustainable clean-energy solutions. Building on the foundation of racing heritage and intense competition, the Michael Andretti-led outfit is dedicated to using the experiences of yesterday to help shape a better tomorrow. Andretti Technologies strives to meet the future transportation needs of an ever evolving and more complex world. For updates and developments in the "Technologies" world, follow via Twitter with @AndrettiTech.
ABOUT TE CONNECTIVITY
TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL) is a $14 billion global technology leader. Our connectivity and sensor solutions are essential in today's increasingly connected world. We collaborate with engineers to transform their concepts into creations – redefining what's possible using intelligent, efficient and high-performing TE products and solutions proven in harsh environments. Our 80,000 people, including 7,500 design engineers, partner with customers in over 150 countries across a wide range of industries. We believe EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS – www.TE.com.
Andretti Autosport