Ford Takes Slice Of Pi.

The Ford Motor Company today announced that it would acquire the hi-tech auto electronics supplier Pi Group.


Ford hopes that the technology pioneered and advanced by the Cambridge-based company will be of benefit to both its road and race car programmes, and intends to operate Pi as an independent subsidiary of its Research and Vehicle Technology arm. This will put it under the control of Neil Ressler, who spent much of 1999 on secondment to the Stewart grand prix team, although the company will continue to operate under the immediate leadership of founder Tony Purnell.


"The acquisition of the Pi Group strengthens our motorsport portfolio," Ressler said in a statement, "and it will also accelerate the technology transfer from motorsport to mainstream vehicles for Ford Motor Company customers. Pi is a world leader in electronics technology necessary for tomorrow's vehicles, including battery electrics, fuel-cell electrics and hybrid electrics. It is a jewel of a company, with a superb reputation in both motorsport and the automotive industry."


Already heavily involved in the US-based Champcar and NASCAR series, Pi hopes that its new connections will enable it to build its business in Formula One, with growing use of its data acquisition, telemetry and control systems.


"Ford's acquisition is good news for Pi, its staff and our customers" assured Tony Purnell, "It gives us much greater financial security and resources, and helps us to promote the Pi brand. We believe that we can be even more innovative and successful in the future."