A US-based firm is among the firms competing to sell the Beijing Olympics Organizing Committee small electrical vehicles for use during the 2008 Games.

Ingersoll Rand, a world leading diversified industrial company, is excited about the huge opportunities appearing due to China's rapid industrialization, and has been building up its product portfolio for China, in particular for the Games.

Jeff Song, vice-president of the firm, said talks are going on with the organizing committee to sell it the "Club Car" which could be used in the Olympic village and sports venues.

Song, also president of Ingersoll Rand China, said the committee is planning a performance evaluation on several short-listed candidates in August and will then make a final decision.

Danny Ferguson, a business development manager for Club Car, said it is estimated that Beijing will need at least 1,000 electric cars during the Games. Four companies Ingersoll Rand and three Chinese firms are competing for the contract.

Ingersoll Rand has already introduced microturbine products to the Olympics, Song said, adding that microturbines are now being used in the construction of Olympic venues.

A microturbine is a very small device used to make electricity, fuelled by natural gas or some other energy source.

"Security technology is another thing we are providing for the event," Song said. "So far we have signed a deal with the Beijing Municipal Traffic Management Bureau to provide monitoring cameras for traffic management and security."

Apart from the Olympics, the extensive building and rebuilding of infrastructure in China are also providing tremendous opportunities for Ingersoll Rand. It has just launched several new products including air compressors and mini-excavators.

Scott Krull, vice-president of Ingersoll Rand China, said the firm is enhancing its research and development capabilities at both the Wuxi and Shanghai factories to find additional products and technology suitable for the Chinese market.

For instance, the company has altered its air compressors for Chinese customers, powering them by electricity instead of diesel.

Krull also mentioned that the company launched special financial services last year for Chinese customers who have difficulty getting loans from banks. "Features of our financial solutions include rapid credit decisions, easy documentation and flexible terms and conditions," Krull said.

Ingersoll Rand predicts an annual business growth of 25 per cent in China in the next five years, Song said.

"I have full confidence we can meet that goal," Song said, adding that the firm is talking with several Chinese companies about mergers and acquisitions.

Song said the mainland market only accounted for 5 per cent of Ingersoll Rand's US$10.5 billion sales last year. "That proportion may increase to 10-15 per cent in the next 5 to 10 years," Song predicted.

(China Daily 05/16/2006 page10)

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