NORTHAMPTON, UK - Audi believes its ownership of Cosworth will help the company expand its services to other customers.
'The support of Audi will offer the scope and stability necessary to ensure that Cosworth Technology facilities and capabilities remain at the leading edge of the powertrain services industry,' said Audi AG chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen.
Audi has completed its takeover of Cosworth Technology and the sale of Cosworth Racing to Ford.
David Bate was appointed chairman of Cosworth Technology, and Klaus Blickle was named his deputy. The two will share equal status and responsibility for operational aspects.
They replace Charles Matthews, who left Cosworth when Audi took over. He retains a consultancy contract for a time.
Bate, 50, had been the human resources director since 1994. During his era, the business was refocused and the headcount doubled to 800. He was previously at Leyland Trucks.
Blickle, 43, had worked for Audi, most recently in a headquarters capacity involved with the division's reorganization. He had been in charge of the company's manufacturing joint venture in China. Blickle was brought up in India and educated in England before moving to Stuttgart for a college degree. His wife is English.
Audi is determined to maintain Cosworth Technology's 'unique blend of design and manufacturing,' said Paefgen. 'The strategy to retain Cosworth Technology as a discreet entity will enable it to develop its already well-established position in the market, as well as bringing added value to Audi programs with its special qualities of technical impartiality, responsiveness and flexibility.'
Cosworth will provide engines for future Audis and Bentleys, but it will also try to retain other current automotive customers and attract more.
Audi and Cosworth 'have put in place the confidentiality measures necessary to protect the interests of Cosworth Technology's customers,' said Paefgen.
At Ford, Cosworth Racing will remain as an independent entity based in Northampton, UK.
'I always thought that Ford and Cosworth should be closer together,' said Neil Ressler, Ford's vice president for advanced vehicle technology. 'We have been on top before, and now that we can bring our resources together, I fully expect us to be there again.'
Ford-Cosworth engines have won 174 Grand Prix races.
